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International Journal of Mental Health Systems

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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Research

Validation and psychometric testing of the Arabic version of the mental health literacy scale among the Saudi Arabian general population

Authors: Nasser F. BinDhim, Nora A. Althumiri, Yasser Ad-Dab’bagh, Mohammed M. J. Alqahtani, Ahmad Kassab Alshayea, Sulaiman M. Al-Luhaidan, Anton Svendrovski, Rashed Abdullah Al-Duraihem, Abdulhameed Abdullah Alhabeeb

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to validate the Arabic Version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (Arabic-MHLS) among the Saudi Arabian general population, assessing its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and structural validity.

Methods

A total of 700 Arabic-speaking Saudi adults were randomly selected to complete the electronic questionnaire in May 2023, which generated 544 participants. Data were coded and stored in the ZdataCloud research data collection system database. Test-retest reliability was assessed using a subsample of 48 participants who completed the questionnaire twice, with a one-week interval. Structural validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA).

Results

The Arabic-MHLS demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.87) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.89). EFA revealed a four-factor model closely resembling the model identified in the Slovenian validation of MHLS, with factor loadings ranging from 0.40 to 0.85. The four factors included knowledge of mental health disorders, knowledge of help-seeking, knowledge of self-help strategies, and knowledge of professional help also showed good internal consistency.

Conclusion

The Arabic-MHLS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing mental health literacy in the Saudi Arabian general population. However, further research is needed to refine the measurement tool and understand the complex relationships between mental health literacy and other mental health-related concepts. This will contribute to the development of targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving mental health literacy and promoting mental well-being in the Saudi Arabian population and beyond.

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ZDataCloud -Research Data Collection., Governance & Quality System. Retrieved from https://zdatacloud.com.

Title: Validation and psychometric testing of the Arabic version of the mental health literacy scale among the Saudi Arabian general population
Authors: Nasser F. BinDhim
Nora A. Althumiri
Yasser Ad-Dab’bagh
Mohammed M. J. Alqahtani
Ahmad Kassab Alshayea
Sulaiman M. Al-Luhaidan
Anton Svendrovski
Rashed Abdullah Al-Duraihem
Abdulhameed Abdullah Alhabeeb
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1752-4458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-023-00615-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Validation and psychometric testing of the Arabic version of the mental health literacy scale among the Saudi Arabian general population

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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