Predictors of Mental Health Literacy in a Sample of University Students in Lebanon

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Date
2018
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Abstract
Increasing evidence-based knowledge about mental health issues is a national priority in Lebanon. Mental Health Literacy (MHL) has been repeatedly studied internationally given its effectiveness in increasing service use and overall mental health. However, MHL has not yet been studied in Lebanon. MHL refers to the ability to correctly recognize specific mental disorders along with their recommended treatments. MHL is based on the theoretical framework explaining that recognizing a mental health problem is an essential first step towards seeking mental health help. To this end, the present study examines the socio-demographic predictors of MHL, and the relationship between MHL and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidality among university students in Lebanon. Data was collected through survey methods using measures of MHL, anxiety, depression, and suicidality. The sample consisted of 171 university students recruited from 3 universities within the Beirut region. Findings show higher literacy of depression than GAD and suicidality, and that enrollment in psychology courses was the strongest predictor of MHL. A further examination of the results along with implications for public interventions are expanded on in the manuscript.
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Naal, H. (2018). Predictors of Mental Health Literacy in a Sample of University Students in Lebanon (SBS thesis, Haigazian University)