Adolescent Mental Health Literacy in Lithuania: First National Evidence

Background

Mental health problems among adolescents are an increasing public health concern. Strengthening mental health literacy (MHL) may help address these challenges. However, evidence on adolescent MHL remains limited, particularly in some countries, and data on positive mental health literacy (PMHL) are still scarce globally. This study aimed to assess adolescents’ MHL and PMHL and examine their associations with sociodemographic factors.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 1,348 adolescents in Lithuania (mean age = 16.13 years, SD = 1.13; 59.6% female) in Grades 9–12. MHL was assessed using the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire – Young People Form (MHLq-YP), which covers help-seeking and first-aid skills, knowledge, and stereotypes, and self-help strategies. PMHL was assessed using the Mental Health Promoting Knowledge (MHPK) scale. Associations with sociodemographic factors were examined using regression analyses. Associations with sociodemographic variables were examined using regression analyses.

Results

The mean total MHL score was 130.07 (SD = 19.58). Mean subscale scores were 36.94 (SD = 7.73) for help-seeking and first-aid skills, 72.61 (SD = 10.96) for knowledge and stereotypes, and 20.51 (SD = 4.17) for self-help strategies. The mean PMHL score was 3.75 (SD = 1.19). MHL and PMHL were moderately positively correlated (r = .45, p < .01). Gender (β = .19, p < .001) and grade (β = .17, p < .001) were significantly associated with overall MHL. PMHL was also significantly associated with gender (β = .17, p < .001) and grade (β = .18, p < .001).

Conclusions

This study provides the first national evidence on adolescents’ MHL and PMHL in Lithuania. The findings indicate a significant positive association between these constructs and show higher literacy among girls and older adolescents. The results highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to strengthen adolescent mental health literacy.

Key messages

• This study provides the first national evidence on adolescent mental health literacy and positive mental health literacy in Lithuania.

• The findings highlight the need for targeted, school-based interventions, especially for younger adolescents and boys.