Mental Health Literacy questionnaire short-version: psychometric properties in young adults from Brazil, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Serbia and Turkey
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Objectives
The prevalence of mental health disorders has increased in recent years, representing a major public health concern. Increasing the literacy about mental health signs and symptoms is paramount for effective prevention. Having previously studied the psychometric properties of the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire for young adults – short version (MHLq-SVa) in six countries, we now extend the validity study of this 16-item scale to eleven countries, namely Brazil, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Serbia and Turkey.
Study Design
Multicentre cross-sectional study
Methods
Translated and adapted versions of the MHLq-SVa were administered to young adults aged 17-25 years in all countries, totalling 5054 (72% women) with full information for all scale items. Confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alphas) were computed to test the scales’ four-dimensional structure (Knowledge of mental health problems; Erroneous beliefs/stereotypes; First-aid skills and help-seeking behaviour; Self-help strategies) and reliability.
Results
Goodness-of-fit indices for the four-factor solution model suggested good fit in all countries. Exceptions were Pakistan with higher Root mean squared error of approximation and Standardized root mean squared residual, and Brazil with a higher chi-square value and lower Comparative fit index.
Conclusions
The construct validity of the MHLq-SVa was supported by data from eleven countries, adding to previous research on the MHLq-SVa psychometrics, suggesting cross- cultural reliability as a Mental Health Literacy assessment tool.
