Factors associated with mental health literacy and demand for mental health services among older adults in China: a cross-sectional study.

Background: There is limited research on mental health literacy (MHL) among Chinese older adults as well as their demand and willingness for mental health services (MHS). This study investigated the factors associated with them among Chinese older adults. Additionally, predictors of MHL as well as demand and willingness for MHS were compared between older adults living alone and those not living alone.

Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted among 494 older adults in Guangzhou, China. Sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of participating in community-based activities, mental health status, MHL, and demand and willingness for MHS were assessed through self-reported questions. A series of logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with the MHL and demand and willingness for MHS.

Results: The awareness rates for the three MHL-related questions were between 65.3% and 73.7%, and 62.0% and 69.6% of the participants indicated the demand and willingness, respectively, for MHS. Frequently participating in community-based activities increased the likelihood of awareness of the MHL-related questions (ORs = 2.92-4.18, CIs = [1.50,9.28]), as well as the demand and willingness for MHS (ORs = 2.16-2.24, CIs = [1.19,4.20]). Similar significant associations were found among the older adults who were not living alone but not among those living alone.

Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, policymakers and clinicians are advised to develop more targeted community-based activities for older adults and focus especially on those living alone to enhance their MHL and increase willingness for MHS.