Does general health literacy predict adolescent mental health profiles based on the dual continua model?

Abstract

Introduction and objective: The aim of the study was to define mental health profiles according to the Dual Continua Mental Health (DCMH) model and to analyse their associations with socio-demographic characteristics and health literacy (HL).

Material and methods: An online survey was conducted in 2024 among students aged 13-17 in schools in a mid-western region of Poland (n=9,026). Standardised instruments were used to assess well-being, prevalence of psychosomatic complaints, as well as HL. Multinomial logistic regression was applied.

Results: The findings showed that 57.1% of students reported frequent psychosomatic complaints, whereas 24.5% met the criteria for low well-being. Six mental health profiles were identified, ranging from the most unfavourable (low wellbeing and frequent complaints - 21.4%) to optimal (high well-being and none or infrequent complaints - 29.1%). HL was associated with profile membership to a significant extent - a low level of HL tripled the risk of adherence to the group with the poorest mental health status (OR=3.06; 95% CI: 2.43-3.85). Living in rural areas protected against being classified into the least favourable group (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69-0.97).

Conclusions: The DCMH model offers a framework for multidimensional analysis of mental health profiles among adolescents, and its application may incorporate various research tools. Professionals (psychologists, educators, teachers) should not only respond to signs of crisis, but also actively strengthen young people's resources - particularly by fostering health literacy, building psychological resilience, and promoting positive functioning within the school environment.