Abstract

Background: High prevalence of mental health problems and underutilization of mental health treatment are more severe among the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) population and remain misunderstood and understudied. Examining mental health literacy (MHL)–the knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management, or prevention–has been shown to identify barriers to seeking and receiving care. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of MHL in Polynesian NHPIs and identify associated demographic variables. Methods: Data for this pilot cross-sectional study were collected from 298 US Polynesians via an online questionnaire of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS). Results: The overall mean MHLS score was 121 (standard deviation = 17.3), with statistically significant higher scores in female participants, > 31 years old, Tongan, more educated, and with higher income. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that overall MHL is comparable among Polynesians compared to the current literature. However, Polynesian men < 30 years old and with lower income had lower MHL, which may be linked to the mental health disparities specific to this population. Current interventions should focus on increasing knowledge of risk factors, causes, self-treatments, and available professional help regarding mental disorders. Efforts to improve the MHL of Polynesians should target men < 30 years with lower income (<$50,000).

Degree

MS

College and Department

Nursing; Nursing

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2023-06-21

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd13282

Keywords

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI), Polynesian, mental health literacy (MHL), Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), mental health barriers

Language

english

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Nursing Commons

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