Factors Influencing Local Residents' Attitudes Towards Mental Health Welfare Centers: Using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo Generalized Linear Multilevel Model

This study examines the factors influencing the Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) attitude toward Mental Health Welfare Centers (MHWCs) in South Korea, integrating individual and regional determinants. Using data from the 2020 Mental Health Perception Survey and Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS), we apply a Markov Chain Monte Carlo Generalized Linear Multilevel Model (MCMC GLMM) to assess predictors of NIMBY attitudes. Findings reveal that older age, poor physical health, negative perceptions of mental illness, and exposure to MHWC advertisements significantly increase NIMBY attitudes, while internet-based information and personal recommendations reduce opposition. Regional analysis shows that a higher proportion of old housing correlates with stronger NIMBY attitudes, whereas higher mortality rates are linked to lower opposition, suggesting an increased need for mental health services. The study highlights the limitations of traditional public awareness campaigns and underscores the importance of digital outreach and trust-based communication to address community resistance. These insights provide valuable policy implications for promoting community-based mental health care and mitigating stigma.