Mental Health Literacy Scale Arabic Version: A Validation Study Among Saudi University Students

Abstract

Mental health problems significantly affect students' university education. However, studies about mental health literacy (MHL) among Saudi university students are very limited. The two-fold objective of this study was to validate an Arabic version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and assess the MHL of university students. The study participants involved 339 female students. Psychometric evaluation of the MHLS–Arabic version was conducted, and correlation and regression analyses were performed. The scale was successfully cross culturally adapted and found to be valid and reliable. The highest MHL indicator was the students' perception of confidence in using a computer or telephone to inquire about mental illness data. Conversely, the lowest MHL indicator was the student's disagreement with the notion that mental infirmity is not an actual medical challenge. Marital status, college attended, and academic level were found to have statistically significant effects on the MHL of university students. The Arabic version of the MHLS validly and reliably assessed MHL. This work adds to existing evidence for assessing MHL and can help administrators formulate better strategies to improve the MHL of university students.

Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) among undergraduate and graduate students in the medical field

“…While the six-factor structure strictly following the MHLS attributes was not supported, the MHLS seems to consist of several theoretically meaningful factors, which may partly support the structural validity. A similar four-factor structure was reported for the Arabic 22) and Chinese 23) versions. The four-factor structure may best fit the MHLS.…”

“…Since the MHLS was developed in 2015, it has been used to measure MHL in various countries, and the MHLS has also been reported to be positively correlated with help-seeking (General Help-Seeking Questionnaire; GHSQ) 18) and quality of life (SF-12) 19) . Furthermore, the MHLS has been translated into Vietnamese 20) , Persian 21) , Arabic 22) , and Chinese 23) . These studies indicate that the MHLS is reliable, valid, and applicable to a variety of populations.…”

Validation of the Mental Health Literacy Scale in French University Students

“…The six factors demonstrated reliable psychometric proprieties and fully covered the original representation of the MHL construct. By means of comparison, the Pakistani version of the MHLS was composed of 34 items [ 54 ], the Iranian one of 29 items [ 55 ], and the Arabic one of 28 items [ 56 ]. In the studies conducted in China [ 57 ], Portugal [ 58 ], South Africa, and Zambia [ 59 ], all items were kept.…”

A scoping review of studies examining mental health literacy among Arabs worldwide

“…Four studies were conducted in Arab countries: two in Saudi Arabia, one in Oman, and one in Lebanon (Almanasef, 2021; Alshehri et al, 2021; Elsheshtawy et al, 2020; Naal et al, 2020). Five were conducted in non‐Arab countries: four in Australia and one in Israel (Khatib & Abo‐Rass, 2022; Krstanoska‐Blazeska et al, 2021; May et al, 2014; Slewa‐Younan et al, 2014, 2020).…”