Citation

Zorrilla MM, Modeste N, Gleason PC, Sealy DA, Banta JE, Trieu SL. Calif. J. Health Promot. 2019; 17(1): 71-83.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Department of Health and Community Services, California State University, Chico)

DOI

10.32398/cjhp.v17i1.2225

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Young adults who are 18 to 25 years old have the highest prevalence of depression (10.9%). Depression is a risk factor for suicide. Mental health literacy (MHL) is a key component in assessing recognition and help-seeking for depression with suicidal ideation. This study investigated MHL as it relates to help-seeking for depression with suicidal ideation.

METHODS: A crosssectional survey design was used. Participants were young adults (n= 430, ages 18 to 24 years old) who lived, worked, and/or attended school in San Francisco, California. Reavley and colleagues' MHL survey was modified and made available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

RESULTS: Several background factors were positively, though weakly, correlated to MHL, based on the r coefficient. Significant factors were: being female [r=.12, p<.05], white [r=.12, p<.05], San Francisco residency [r=.09, p<.1], and being in a relationship [r=.08, p<.1]. The percentage [95% confidence interval (CI)] of those who correctly labeled "depression with suicidal thought" for the vignette was 87.4% (CI: 84.3, 90.6).

CONCLUSIONS: Improving MHL among young adults, especially among males and racial and ethnic populations is needed. Additionally, educating young adults about alcohol use as an unhealthy option for depression is important.

Language: en