Factors associated with mental health literacy and demand for mental health services among older adults in China: a cross-sectional study

Background There is limited research on the level of mental health literacy (MHL) among older adults and their demand and willingness for mental health services. This study investigated the factors associated with them among Chinese older adults. Additionally, we further compared these relationships between older adults living alone and those not living alone. Methods This study is a cross-sectional study conducted among 494 older adults in Guangzhou, China. Sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of participating in community-based elderly activities, mental health status, MHL, and demand and willingness for mental health services were assessed through self-reported questions. A series of logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with the MHL and demand and willingness for mental health services. Results The awareness rates for the three MHL-related questions were 73.7%, 65.3%, and 73.5% respectively, with 62.0% and 69.6% of the participants indicating the demand and willingness, respectively, for mental health services. Frequently participating in elderly activities increased the likelihood of awareness of the MHL-related questions (ORs = 2.92–4.18, CIs = [1.50,9.28]), as well as the demand and willingness for mental health services (ORs = 2.16–2.24, CIs = [1.19,4.20]). Similar significant associations were found among the older adults who were not living alone but not among those living alone. Conclusions To enhance older adults' MHL and increase their willingness for mental health services, given the results of this study, policymakers are advised to develop targeted community-based activities and to focus in particular on living-alone groups.