Assessing the mental health literacy of young adults from rural and urban communities in Malawi

TL;DR

This study assesses mental health knowledge in young adults in Malawi, finding low awareness and help-seeking behavior, with education level influencing understanding.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into mental health literacy gaps among young adults in rural and urban Malawi, emphasizing the role of education.

Findings

Most respondents had limited knowledge of specific mental illnesses and misconceptions about mental health.

Higher education was associated with better mental health literacy scores, especially regarding stereotypes and help-seeking behavior.

Only 14% of those who knew someone with a mental illness could specify the illness.

Abstract

Mental health literacy (MHL) is the ability to recognise mental disorders; have knowledge of professional help available, effective self-help and prevention strategies; and have the skills to support others. MHL is linked to better help-seeking behaviours and better management of mental illness. Mental illness prevalence is increasing in Malawi. Assessing MHL in communities crucially helps identify knowledge gaps, informing the development of evidence-based interventions.

This study assessed the MHL levels of young adults (16–30 years old) in rural and urban communities in Malawi.

A cross-sectional national survey was administered to 682 people across 13 districts in Malawi, using a self-reporting Mental Health Literacy questionnaire (MHLq) that assessed knowledge of mental health problems, erroneous beliefs/stereotypes, first aid skills, help-seeking behaviour and self-help strategies.

Most respondents were either unemployed (36%) or enrolled in school (43%). A total of 73% completed primary or secondary education, and 48% knew someone with a mental illness, but only 14% of this group could specify the illness. The mean MHL score was 111.8 (s.d. 13.9). Individuals with primary and secondary school qualifications had significantly lower scores in factor 2 (erroneous beliefs/stereotypes) and factor 3 (first aid skills and assistance-seeking behaviour) of the MHLq than those with higher education.

This research highlights persisting mental health misconceptions, limited knowledge about specific mental illnesses and low help-seeking behaviour among young adult Malawians. Higher education is linked to a better understanding of mental health. Prioritising community education on causes, signs, treatments and prognosis of mental illness is crucial for increased MHL.

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