Turkish reliability and validity study of a modified version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS)

Mental health literacy is an important determinant for the protection and strengthening of both individual and social mental health. The study aimed to carry out the adaptation of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), developed to determine the level of mental health literacy, into Turkish by conducting a validity and reliability analysis. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and methodological design was used. The study was conducted with the general population between 05.10.2021 and 02.12.2022, using social media apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram) through Google Forms. There were a total of 424 participants in this study. " Demographic Data Form" and "Mental Health Literacy Scale" were used in the data collection. The construct validity of the scale was assessed through both Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's Alpha, composite reliability, average variance extracted, Spearman-Brown, and Split-Half Test Reliability methods. Item analyses were performed with 27% lower-upper group mean difference, discrimination analysis, and item-total correlation coefficient. The inventory showed a 4-factor structure and consisted of 26 items. In confirmatory factor analysis, all factor loads were found to be > 0.50. The fit index values were found to be RMSEA: 0.05, RMR: 0.05, CFI: 0.93, GFI: 0.90, and AGFI: 0.90. Cronbach's alpha of the total scale was 0.851. This scale can be used as a valid and reliable tool in determining knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about the level of mental health literacy.