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

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, xx (xx), xx–xx.]