The relationship between mental health literacy and depression among older adults in Selangor

Badrol Hisham, Afaf Qamelia and Zainal Abidin, Muhammad Adil and Mohd Tohit, Nor Faiza and Rusli, Mohammad Farhan and Abdul Khaiyom, Jamilah Hanum (2024) The relationship between mental health literacy and depression among older adults in Selangor. International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences, 11 (1). pp. 1-13. E-ISSN 2289-7577

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Abstract

Background: Depression is prevalent among the older adults but often misdiagnosed. Improving mental health literacy could enhance early detection and treatment, increasing awareness, and improving outcomes for the disorder. This research aim to measure the prevalence of depression, its determinants and relationship with mental health literacy among older adults in Selangor. Material and Methods: A state-wide cross sectional study was conducted involving the Selangor state residents from June 2022 until June 2023 using the state health mobile application (Selangkah) which is accessible in all apps stores. A validated questionnaire to screen users' levels of depression using the validated Geriatric Depression Scale-15 and Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) was used to measure the literacy level. Results: More than 918 elderly completed the study with the prevalence of depression among Selangor older adults was 30.0%. The mean mental health literacy score was 99, indicating a moderate level of mental health literacy. The risk factor for depression were higher education level, widowed/divorced while mental health literacy was the protective factor. The predictors for higher mental health literacy score were female and those with lower depression score. Conclusion: The results revealed a high prevalence of depression due to higher mental health literacy level. Mental health literacy enhanced the understanding, early screening, and this improving early access to early support and treatment which can improve older adults well- being. The study advocates for improving mental health literacy initiatives through collaboration between the Selangor State Government and universities to address the findings and support the mental well-being of the older adults.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	7266/111642
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Mental health, geriatric, depression, mental health literacy, digital health
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health. Mental Illness Prevention
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Psychology Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Community Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011)
Depositing User:	Dr Muhammad Adil Zainal Abidin
Date Deposited:	27 Mar 2024 10:55
Last Modified:	04 Apr 2024 10:41
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/111642

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