Association between Mental Health Literacy and Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of mental health literacy on depression and suicidal ideation among adults aged 20 to 69, using survey data from residents of Chungcheongnam-do.Methods: This study utilized the 2022 Chungcheongnam-do Mental Health Awareness Survey, conducted to promote mental health among residents of Chungcheongnam-do. A total of 836 participants, excluding those with missing data, were analyzed using chi-square tests, logistic regression analysis, and generalized linear model.Results: The analysis revealed that the group with low mental health literacy had a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score that was 1.42 points higher than the group with high mental health literacy (B = 1.42, <i>p</i>= 0.003), with a 4.31 higher in depression (Odds ratio, OR = 4.31, <i>p</i>< 0.001) and a 2.89 higher in suicidal ideation (OR = 2.89, <i>p</i>= 0.001). Additionally, among urban residents with low mental health literacy, the PHQ-9 score was 1.57 points higher than those with high mental health literacy (B = 1.57, <i>p</i>= 0.004), with a 4.58 higher in depression (OR = 4.58, <i>p</i>< 0.001) and a 3.18 higher in suicidal ideation (OR = 3.18, <i>p</i>< 0.001). Among employed individuals with low mental health literacy, the PHQ-9 score was 1.76 points higher compared to those with high mental health literacy (B = 1.76, <i>p</i>= 0.001), with a 5.34 higher in depression (OR = 5.34, <i>p</i>< 0.001) and a 3.24 higher in suicidal ideation (OR = 3.24, <i>p</i>= 0.001).Conclusions: The results of this study indicated a significant association between low mental health literacy and both depression and suicidal ideation among adults aged 20 to 69. This highlights the need for providing mental health literacy education programs to groups with low mental health literacy, aiming to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and establish support systems that can help alleviate depression and suicidal ideation.