Mental Health Literacy and Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Among Iranian Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Considering the rising prevalence of mental health issues among older adults and potential barriers to treatment seeking, investigating mental health literacy and attitudes toward professional psychological services in this demographic is crucial for enhancing access to care and fostering psychological well-being. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the association between mental health literacy (MHL) and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH) among older adults attending health centers in Amol, Mazandaran, Iran, in 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 128 older adults attending health centers in Amol, Mazandaran, Iran, in 2023. Participants were selected using cluster random sampling and completed research instruments including O'Connor and Casey's Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and the short form of Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help (ATSPPH-S). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation coefficient in SPSS 24 software. Results: The Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a positive and significant relationship between older adults' level of MHL and their ATSPPH (r = 0.28, P < 0.05). Tukey's post hoc test indicated a significant association between older adults' MHL and their educational level. Additionally, independent t-test results demonstrated a significant correlation between ATSPPH and gender as well as the history of visiting a psychologist or psychiatrist (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The study findings suggest that higher levels of MHL among older adults are associated with an increased willingness to seek professional psychological help. Therefore, initiatives aimed at enhancing MHL through education and promotion may play a vital role in encouraging older adults to seek appropriate support.