Assessing Depression-Related Mental Health Literacy among Young Adults

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Young adults who are 18 to 25 years old have the highest prevalence of depression (10.9%). Depression is a risk factor for suicide. Mental health literacy (MHL) is a key component in assessing recognition and help-seeking for depression with suicidal ideation. This study investigated MHL as it relates to help-seeking for depression with suicidal ideation. Methods: A crosssectional survey design was used. Participants were young adults (n= 430, ages 18 to 24 years old) who lived, worked, and/or attended school in San Francisco, California. Reavley and colleagues’ MHL survey was modified and made available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Results: Several background factors were positively, though weakly, correlated to MHL, based on the r coefficient. Significant factors were: being female [r=.12, p<.05], white [r=.12, p<.05], San Francisco residency [r=.09, p<.1], and being in a relationship [r=.08, p<.1]. The percentage [95% confidence interval (CI)] of those who correctly labeled “depression with suicidal thought” for the vignette was 87.4% (CI: 84.3, 90.6). Conclusions: Improving MHL among young adults, especially among males and racial and ethnic populations is needed. Additionally, educating young adults about alcohol use as an unhealthy option for depression is important.