Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Mental Health Literacy questionnaire (MHLq-E)

Abstract

The mental health of adolescents is a topic of increasing importance in our society. Knowing the mental health literacy of this population may provide key information to improve prevention and intervention policies. This research analyses the psychometric properties of the MHLq-E Spanish version, a self-administered self-report questionnaire on mental health literacy, specific to the adolescent population. A descriptive cross-sectional study including a representative sample of Spanish adolescents aged 12–16 years (N = 1000) was conducted. Results reveal a four-factor structure: help-seeking; stigma; knowledge of causes; knowledge of symptomatology. The selected four-factor solution accounts for 35% of the shared variance. High internal consistency, item reliability and good measures of validity were found. The global reliability of the questionnaire was α = 0.92 and ωt = 0.94. The reliability of the dimensions ranged from α = 0.79, ωt = 0.79 for Stigma to α = 0.87, ωt = 0.87 for Help. Factor loads were significant and above 0.4 suggesting appropriate convergent validity, and evidence of discriminant validity was also adequate. Although it differs from the original instrument, the analysis is consistent with other research and highlights the multiple dimensions of mental health literacy. The MHLq-E is the first instrument available in Spanish to assess mental health literacy in adolescents in Spain.