Evaluating Mental Health Literacy among Iranian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Mental health literacy (MHL) is an important determinant of mental health and influences individuals’ decisions to seek mental health services. This study aimed to investigate the level of MHL in women referring to health centers in Khodabandeh, Zanjan, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in ۲۰۲۲, involving ۵۹۹ women of reproductive age in Khodabande, Zanjan. The data were collected using the Persian version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and analyzed using SPSS ۲۳ software. A significance level of less than ۰.۰۵ was considered. Results: The participants' mean age was ۳۰.۴۷ (±۷.۸). The MHL mean score was ۸۱.۵۳ (±۱۲.۴۷). There was a statistically significant difference in  MHL scores based on marital status, education level, income status, and employment status (P< ۰.۰۵), but no significant difference was found based on age (P> ۰.۰۵). The main sources of information about mental health were the Internet and social networks, radio and TV programs, and mental health professionals. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the MHL level among the women participating in the study was at a medium level. Therefore, implementing educational intervention programs can effectively improve women’s MHL and ultimately improve their access to mental health services.

Keywords:

Mental health , Health literacy , Health promotion , Women , Iran