Predictors of mental health literacy in a sample of university students in Lebanon

Abstract

University students show high rates of mental health disorders and low rates of treatment seeking. Mental Health Literacy (MHL) is associated with increased service use and better mental health. We investigated the predictors of MHL for suicide, depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in a sample of university students in Lebanon. Through a cross-sectional survey design, participants (N = 171) were presented with two vignettes along with MHL-related questions, were screened for psychological symptoms, and were asked to provide socio-demographic information. Educational background in Psychology was the strongest predictor of MHL as opposed to psychological symptoms and parental education. Gender was only associated with treatment recommendations. MHL for depression, GAD, and suicide in Lebanon aligns with other studies, whereas findings regarding gender, psychological symptoms, and parental education do not. MHL interventions for university students should focus on education in Psychology with a focus on themes addressed in this study. © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.