Factors Predicting Mental Health Literacy in Older Adults: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2024 Oct;62(10):31-40. doi: 10.3928/02793695-20240424-01. Epub 2024 May 6.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine mental health literacy (MHL) levels of older adults and the predictive factors of MHL.

Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2022, with 410 older adults aged ≥65 years. A Personal Information Form and the Mental Health Literacy Scale were used for data collection. Independent samples t test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.

Results: Significant predictors of MHL in older adults were being aged 65 to 69 years, being female, being a university graduate, having an income more than expenses, receiving information from a health professional, interest in mental health, having friends or family members with mental illness, and good perception of health.

Conclusion: Older adults were found to have low levels of MHL. Mental health professionals should focus on community-based education and interventions to increase the MHL levels of older adults. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(10), 31-40.].

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Literacy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mental Health*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires