Abstract

LOUREIRO, Luís  and  FREITAS, Paula. Mental health literacy of young nursing students when accessing higher education. Revista Portuguesa de Enfermagem de Saúde Mental [online]. 2020, n.24, pp.34-42. ISSN 1647-2160.  https://doi.org/10.19131/rpesm.0279.

INTRODUCTION: The transition to higher education and the consequent adaptation process corresponds to a critical and complex period that brings significant changes in the lives of young people that may have implications for their health and well-being and consequently academic success. AIMS: To characterize the mental health literacy associated with depression and anxiety; analyze comparatively the literacy associated with depression and anxiety. METHODS: Descriptive-correlational study, based on data collected from a random sample of 246 students, enrolled in the 1st year of a bachelor in Nursing, and the Questionnaire for Evaluation of Mental Health Literacy was applied. RESULTS: The results reveal modest levels of mental health literacy, with a more pronounced deficiency in the case of depression. A margin of young people indicates that they do not know and/or do not have knowledge in this area, as is the case of first aid strategies. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to intervene early in order to increase students’ mental health literacy levels. These interventions, with a focus on reception and integration, can contribute to the students’ academic adaptation and success.

Keywords : Literacy; Mental health; Depression; Anxiety.

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