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

Mental health literacy is the ability to recognise mental disorders, have knowledge of professional help available, effective self-help strategies, prevention strategies, and skills to support others. Mental health literacy is linked to better help-seeking behaviours and the management of mental illness. The prevalence of mental illness in Malawi is increasing. Assessing mental health literacy in communities crucially helps identify knowledge gaps, informing the development of evidence-based interventions. This study assessed the mental health literacy levels of young adults (16-to-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%). 73% had completed primary or secondary education, 48% knew someone with a mental illness but only 14.1% of this group could specify the illness. The mean mental health literacy score was 111.8 [Standard Deviation (SD) = 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 mental health literacy.