Mental Health Literacy Among Urban and Rural Residents of Guangdong Province, China

Abstract Background. The study aims to understanding the levels of mental health literacy among residents of Guangdong Province, the first major province in China, and its influencing factors is crucial. Such understanding will serve as a solid foundation for mental health promotion initiatives and enhancing the overall mental health literacy levels among residents across the province. Method A multi-stage stratified equal-volume random sampling method was adopted in October-December 2022 to select permanent residents aged 18 years and above in Guangdong Province for the questionnaire survey, which consisted of a general demographic information questionnaire and a national mental health literacy questionnaire. Rao-Scott χ test with correction based on sampling design, independent samples t-test and binary multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. Results A total of 51744 individuals completed the questionnaire, including 31822 (61.4%) urban residents and 19200 (38.6%) rural residents. The rate of achievement of mental health literacy was 13.6% among urban residents, which was significantly higher compared to the rate of 8.6% among rural residents. Logistic regression analysis showed that being female, having an education level of 12 years or higher, being mental worker, being a retiree, having a higher monthly household income, maintaining a regular diet, and using electronic products for 2–6 hours per day were all protective factors for mental health literacy attainment in urban residents, while having chronic diseases, being a smoker, having a history of drinking, and being were identified as risk factors in urban residents. Among in rural residents, being married, being younger, having an education level of 12 years or higher, being mental worker and using electronic products for 2–6 hours per day, maintaining a regular diet, and engaging in regular exercise were protective factors for achieving mental health literacy. Additionally, previous smoking was identified as a risk factor. Conclusion The study revealed a low level of mental health literacy among urban and rural residents of Guangdong Province, with a significant disparity between the two areas. These findings highlight the need for continuing efforts to increase the dissemination of mental health knowledge in rural communities and improve levels of mental health literacy.