Purpose: This study aimed to validate the Korean version of the Multicomponent Mental Health Literacy measure (MMHL) scale, originally comprising 26 items in English, for both adolescents and adults. Methods: Participants ranging from their teens to their 60s were engaged. The study utilized both exploratory factor analysis (n=242) and confirmatory factor analysis (n=252) to assess its psychometric properties. Results: The Korean adaptation comprised 16 items, delineating into three factors: beliefs about mental health (eight items), perception of mental health resources (four items), and knowledge of mental health (four items), accounting for 55.8% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a model fit (x2 =170.45, Comparative Fit Index=.94, Tucker Lewis Index=.93, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=.05). Criterion-related validity was confirmed through significant correlations between the Korean Mental Health Literacy Scale (r=.40, p<.001) and attitudes toward seeking professional help (r=.44, p<.001). The reliability coefficient, assessed using the Kuder-Richardson Formula 20, yielded .83. Conclusion Overall, this study validates the Korean version of Mental Health Literacy Scale for both adolescents and adults, affirming its utility in assessing mental health understanding.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of mental health literacy (MHL) among parents of adolescents and middle and high school teachers in Korea. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used for the present study. Participants were 120 parents and 103 middle and high school teachers in Korea. In 2014-2015 participants completed a survey about two case vignettes(adolescent schizophrenia and depression) and answered questions assessing recognition of these disorders and belief about the helpfulness of interventions and resources. Descriptive analysis, t-test and chi2 test were performed. RESULTS: Schizophrenia was recognized by only 11.6% of parents and 25.2% of teachers. Depression was recognized by 32.5% of parents and 59.2% of teachers. Both parents and teachers acknowledged individual and socio-environmental factors as causes for schizophrenia and depression. However, they were less likely to recognize biological factors as potential causes for mental illness. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate the need for education programs for parents of adolescents and teachers to improve their mental health literacy, particularly concerning biological causes of mental illness.
Adolescent* ; Biological Factors ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Depression ; Education ; Humans ; Korea* ; Mental Health* ; Parents* ; Schizophrenia

Purpose: This methodological study aimed to translate the Korean version of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® item bank-emotional distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and anger) for adults and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods: Translation involved forward translation, back translation, expert review, harmonization and quality assurance, and cognitive testing. Psychometric properties were evaluated with a community sample of 201 adults. To assess the unidimensionality of the measures, we used factor analysis to examine construct validity. Results: All items of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System item bank-emotional distress measures were translated through a rigorous translation process, and semantic, conceptual, and normative equivalences between the original and Korean version were ensured. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that all items loaded on one dominant factor. The Korean Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and unidimensionality. Conclusion The Korean version of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System item bank-emotional distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and anger) for adults is reliable and valid. Hence, it may be utilized extensively in clinical and research settings and contribute to patient-centered care.

Purpose: This methodological study aimed to translate the Korean version of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® item bank-emotional distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and anger) for adults and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods: Translation involved forward translation, back translation, expert review, harmonization and quality assurance, and cognitive testing. Psychometric properties were evaluated with a community sample of 201 adults. To assess the unidimensionality of the measures, we used factor analysis to examine construct validity. Results: All items of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System item bank-emotional distress measures were translated through a rigorous translation process, and semantic, conceptual, and normative equivalences between the original and Korean version were ensured. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that all items loaded on one dominant factor. The Korean Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and unidimensionality. Conclusion The Korean version of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System item bank-emotional distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and anger) for adults is reliable and valid. Hence, it may be utilized extensively in clinical and research settings and contribute to patient-centered care.