Validating the Nepalese Short Attitudes Toward Mental Health Problems Scale (N-SATMHPS): A Culturally Sensitive Tool for Assessing Mental Health Stigma

(1) Background: Negative attitudes toward mental health problems (ATMHP) remain a barrier to help-seeking, especially in collectivist, lower-middle-income countries like Nepal. While the Attitudes Towards Mental Health Problems Scale (ATMHPS) has been used globally, it has not been formally validated for Nepalese populations; (2) Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and recruited participants through an opportunity sampling method. We developed the Nepalese Short Version of the ATMHPS (N-SATMHPS) using Dataset 1 (n = 384), and validated it with Dataset 2 (n = 803). Fourteen items with the strongest internal consistency were selected across the original seven subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency testing were used to assess psychometric properties; (3) Results: The N-SATMHPS showed strong internal consistency (α = 0.74–0.92) and excellent model fit (χ²/df = 1.92, CFI = 0.982, TLI = 0.970, RMSEA = 0.049, SRMR = 0.026). Correlations with the full version ranged from r = 0.79 to 0.96. Discriminant validity with Mental health Literacy Questionnaire – young Adults (MHLQ-YA) showed weak but significant correlations, confirming construct distinction; (4) Conclusion: The scale captured key Nepalese cultural constructs—such as shame and family honor—and aligned with collectivist cultural expectations. The N-SATMHPS demonstrates strong psychometric performance and cultural relevance, making it suitable for research and intervention work aimed at reducing stigma and improving mental health in Nepal.