Exploring Mental Health Literacy and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Mental health literacy (MHL) is a key factor influencing mental health outcomes and may affect quality of life (QoL) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), who often experience psychiatric comorbidities. However, research on MHL in multiple sclerosis remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate levels of MHL in pwMS and the relationship with their QoL and sociodemographic factors. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted between March and August 2024. Data were collected through an anonymous online survey consisting of a questionnaire divided into 4 sections: sociodemographic and clinical characteristics; patient experience with nursing care; the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire-Short Version for adults (MHLq-SVa) assessing MHL across 4 domains; and the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire to assess QoL. Statistical analyses included psychometric validation procedures. RESULTS: A total of 170 adult pwMS participated. Participants showed moderate MHL levels, with better knowledge of mental health problems than in other domains. Higher MHL was significantly associated with female gender and higher educational attainment. Weak correlations were found between MHL and QoL, with only 1 domain: knowledge of mental health problems, which showed a significant association. The MHLq-SVa demonstrated good internal consistency (α=0.816) and construct validity. CONCLUSION: While MHL appears to be influenced by gender and education, its direct impact on QoL in pwMS remains limited. These findings indicate that improving MHL alone may be insufficient to enhance well-being, and that additional factors must also be addressed. Nurses are strategically positioned to assess and support MHL, and validated tools like the MHLq-SVa can guide targeted educational strategies within multidisciplinary care.