Assessing mental health literacy in Pakistani youth using case-vignettes

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to assess mental health literacy (MHL) in the general population using six case vignettes related to depression, mania, psychosis, conversion disorder (CD), obsessive compulsion disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Design/methodology/approach Each vignette had nine items related to MHL. The sample comprised 4,590 young adults conveniently selected from twin cities in Pakistan. Participants’ responses were converted into percentages and percentiles to find MHL levels. Findings The men had moderate MHL in depression and inadequate MHL in the remaining five illnesses. The women had adequate MHL in depression and moderate MHL in mania, psychosis, OCD and PTSD while inadequate in CD. Comparing item-wise understanding, the participants had an adequate understanding of identifying the illness, who could suffer and whether the illness was treatable. However, they struggled with naming the illness, knowing about it and how to treat and identify the person who can treat it. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study are helpful for mental health professionals, policymakers and individuals who identify the target areas for engagement and improving MHL in the general population. Originality/value This study provides data about MHL related to six mental illnesses, unlike previous studies focusing on a few illnesses. This study recommends awareness sessions, community workshops and engaging social and electronic media for improving MHL and seeking help from relevant health professionals for mental illnesses instead of spiritual healers and witchcraft.

Health literacy among adolescents and young adults in the Eastern Mediterranean region: a scoping review

“…Several studies conducted in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan and Turkey addressing mental health reported a high prevalence of low-to-moderate mental health literacy 41 101–104 107. Regarding specific mental health literacy-related topics, Iranian33 and Saudi37 111 adolescents showed low-to-moderate levels of depression literacy, whereas Lebanese university students showed higher levels of depression literacy, especially when compared with their generalised anxiety disorder literacy.…”

“…The identified studies used various types of health literacy related to the following health topics: general health31 32 34 35 42–67; nutrition68–82; non-communicable diseases (NCDs)36 63; HIV83 84; e-health39 85–91; media92; physical health93 94; oral health38 95; medical96; disability67 97 98; mental health37 40 41 99–108; suicide109 110; and depression 33 111. These studies used 36 scales to measure health literacy, and these scales can be grouped into three categories: newly developed scales66 77 82 86 93 98; newly adapted and translated scales33 40 41 43 54 55 64 69 83 96 100 111; and previously adapted and translated scales 34 35 38 39 44–46 49 51–53 56–59 62 65 67 68 71–73 76 78–80 85 87–89 91 95 97 103 104 107–110 112 113…”

“…In this review, we identified several demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with health literacy: sex,37 39 42 45 47 49 55 62 63 74 76 90 94 95 101 104 higher income,39 47 51 64 90 97 98 parents’ working status,37 64 68 80 107 occupation,98 age,39 43 49 98 104 113 marital status,98 family type,89 90 ethnicity,44 degree of religiosity107 108 and social security 67. Moreover, health literacy was predicted by the educational level of adolescents, young adults and their parents37 45 47 53 64 68 72 80 89 90 92 95 101; grade at university or school37 39 43 57 67 73 87 95 97 113; years of education98; reading difficulties67; school achievement and academic disciplines57 64 65 70; and parental health literacy 48…”