Validation of the Arabic Version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) for the general population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Background: The estimated lifetime prevalence risk of any mental condition is 34%, and the prevalence of mental disorders is on the rise. The Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) is the most popular and reliable theory-based instrument for assessing mental health knowledge. Therefore, this research aimed to validate the Arabic version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) among the Saudi population in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out using a simple random sample of 253 individuals from the general community. MHLS questionnaire with 35 questions was chosen. MHLS was validated using content and construct validity (Confirmatory factor analysis). Results: The modified mental health literacy scale was psychometrically and statistically valid, reliable, and theoretically coherent among the sample under study. A correlation analysis between different constructs, as revealed by CFA, was conducted. Results showed that participants’ attitudes toward mental disorders were positively and significantly associated with identifying mental disorders (r = 0.13, p = 0.049) and attitudes toward individuals with mental disorders (r = 0.20, p = 0.002). Results of the perceived MHL indicated an overall mean MHL score of 3.72 ± 0.46 (out of 5). The domain with the highest mean score was related to the participants’ attitudes towards mental disorders (4.41 ± 0.68), followed by information-seeking towards mental disorders (3.58 ± 0.97), identification of mental disorders (3.38 ± 0.59) and finally participants’ attitudes individuals with mental disorders (3.31 ± 0.79). Conclusion: MHLS in Arabic was valid and reliable to be used in MHL evaluation. The work can assist administrators in developing more effective plans to raise the MHL of the general population and add to the body of evidence currently available for MHL assessment.

Keywords: Validation, Mental health, Literacy, Scale, Saudi Arabia.

Title: Validation of the Arabic Version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) for the general population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Author: Nahla Hariri, Enas Alfalogy

International Journal of Novel Research in Life Sciences                                                   

ISSN 2394-966X

Vol. 10, Issue 3, May 2023 - June 2023

Page No: 26-35

Novelty Journals

Website: www.noveltyjournals.com

Published Date: 20-June-2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8059674

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