mental health literacy and its relationship with positive mental health in iranian adolescents

Background: adolescents’ mental health can have significant effects on their well-being; inadequate mental health literacy (mhl) is also a global concern. the present study investigated mental health literacy and its relationship with positive mental health in iranian adolescents.methods: this cross-sectional study was performed in saveh, a city in the center of iran, between april 15, 2023 to may 25, 2023. a total number of 400 adolescents in 8 schools were selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. mental health literacy and positive mental health were measured using the mental health literacy questionnaire (kamhs) and the 14-item mental health continuum short form (mhc-sf) questionnaire. the parameters linked to mental health literacy were found using a hierarchical multiple linear regression model. spss version 22 was used to analyze the data.results: the study results revealed that approximately half of the participants (52.5%) had moderate mental health. the mean and standard deviation of mental health literacy scores were 89 and 8.7, respectively. gender (p=0.041), father’s level of education (p=0.043), mother’s level of education (p=0.031), father’s employment status (p=0.023), family income (p=0.035), familiarity with those with mental illness (p=0.01), and mental health status (p=0.005) were associated with mental health literacy. also, results indicated significant differences in mhl (p=0.01) and good mental health behaviors (p=0.04), avoidance coping (p=0.03), and knowledge (p<0.001).conclusions: it is essential to implement suitable educational programs to improve the mental health status and mental health literacy of adolescents. the mental health status of individuals can act as a catalyst in promoting mental health literacy.