Publication: Mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour among communities attending Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM)
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Date
2026-08
Authors
Akhabar, Nur Suhailah
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Abstract
Mental health literacy (MHL) plays a crucial role in promoting early recognition of mental health problems and encouraging appropriate help-seeking behaviour. However, inadequate mental health literacy remains a significant challenge in many communities, contributing to delayed treatment and poor mental health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the level of mental health literacy, assess help-seeking behaviour, examine the relationship between mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour, and explore the association between gender and mental health literacy among communities attending Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM). A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted among 236 community members attending HPUSM. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic information, the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), and the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ). Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and independent t-test were used to analyse the data. The findings are expected to provide insights into the level of mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour among the HPUSM community. It is anticipated that individuals with higher mental health literacy will demonstrate greater willingness to seek professional help for mental health problems. The study also contributes to understanding the influence of gender on mental health literacy. The findings of this study may assist healthcare providers and policymakers in developing effective mental health education programmes and interventions aimed at improving mental health literacy and promoting help-seeking behaviour among the community.
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