Gender-specific differences in mental health literacy and influencing factors among residents in Foshan City, China: a cross-sectional study
BackgroundMental health literacy (MHL) is essential for enhancing mental well-being and addressing mental health challenges. In China, MHL levels remain low, and studies on gender differences in MHL are limited. This study aims to explore gender-specific differences in MHL and their influencing fact...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-06-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1555615/full |
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| author | Zhaosong Chu Jianling Xie Rui Liu Liqin Ou Zheng Lan Guojun Xie |
| author_facet | Zhaosong Chu Jianling Xie Rui Liu Liqin Ou Zheng Lan Guojun Xie |
| author_sort | Zhaosong Chu |
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| description | BackgroundMental health literacy (MHL) is essential for enhancing mental well-being and addressing mental health challenges. In China, MHL levels remain low, and studies on gender differences in MHL are limited. This study aims to explore gender-specific differences in MHL and their influencing factors among residents of Foshan City, China, to provide a theoretical basis for targeted mental health interventions.MethodsData for this study were obtained from the 2022 Foshan City Residents’ Mental Health Survey. A comprehensive sample of 9,044 participants over 18 years old was included, collecting information on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, health-related factors, and MHL assessments. Chi-square (χ2) tests and independent samples t-tests were used to analyze gender differences in MHL. Additionally, multi-factor logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing MHL across genders.ResultsThe overall MHL attainment rate was 8.46%. Male residents demonstrated a significantly lower attainment rate of 6.65%, compared to 10.14% among female residents. Across specific dimensions, including mental health knowledge, attitudes, and psychological skills, males consistently exhibited lower levels of MHL than females. Multi-factor logistic regression analysis identified protective factors for male MHL, including higher educational attainment, professional technical occupations, and retirement, while depression emerged as a significant risk factor. For females, protective factors included higher education, higher monthly household income, and engaging in exercise 3 to 5 times per week. Risk factors for females included being middle-aged or older and experiencing depression.ConclusionThe MHL levels among residents of Foshan City are relatively low, with notable gender differences, particularly with males exhibiting significantly lower levels compared to females. These findings highlight the ongoing necessity to enhance the dissemination and accessibility of mental health knowledge. When developing relevant policies as well as measures, it is imperative to take into account gender differences and implement tailored programs aimed at enhancing MHL among both male and female residents. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e2881977d10d42cb824cf67f99b3e826 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2296-2565 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| series | Frontiers in Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-e2881977d10d42cb824cf67f99b3e8262025-08-20T02:05:19ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Public Health2296-25652025-06-011310.3389/fpubh.2025.15556151555615Gender-specific differences in mental health literacy and influencing factors among residents in Foshan City, China: a cross-sectional studyZhaosong Chu0Jianling Xie1Rui Liu2Liqin Ou3Zheng Lan4Guojun Xie5Department of Clinical Psychology, The Third People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, ChinaDepartment of Public Health, The Third People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, ChinaDepartment of Public Health, The Third People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, ChinaXinshi Hospital of Gaoming District, Foshan, Guangdong, ChinaXinshi Hospital of Gaoming District, Foshan, Guangdong, ChinaDepartment of Clinical Psychology, The Third People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, ChinaBackgroundMental health literacy (MHL) is essential for enhancing mental well-being and addressing mental health challenges. In China, MHL levels remain low, and studies on gender differences in MHL are limited. This study aims to explore gender-specific differences in MHL and their influencing factors among residents of Foshan City, China, to provide a theoretical basis for targeted mental health interventions.MethodsData for this study were obtained from the 2022 Foshan City Residents’ Mental Health Survey. A comprehensive sample of 9,044 participants over 18 years old was included, collecting information on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, health-related factors, and MHL assessments. Chi-square (χ2) tests and independent samples t-tests were used to analyze gender differences in MHL. Additionally, multi-factor logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing MHL across genders.ResultsThe overall MHL attainment rate was 8.46%. Male residents demonstrated a significantly lower attainment rate of 6.65%, compared to 10.14% among female residents. Across specific dimensions, including mental health knowledge, attitudes, and psychological skills, males consistently exhibited lower levels of MHL than females. Multi-factor logistic regression analysis identified protective factors for male MHL, including higher educational attainment, professional technical occupations, and retirement, while depression emerged as a significant risk factor. For females, protective factors included higher education, higher monthly household income, and engaging in exercise 3 to 5 times per week. Risk factors for females included being middle-aged or older and experiencing depression.ConclusionThe MHL levels among residents of Foshan City are relatively low, with notable gender differences, particularly with males exhibiting significantly lower levels compared to females. These findings highlight the ongoing necessity to enhance the dissemination and accessibility of mental health knowledge. When developing relevant policies as well as measures, it is imperative to take into account gender differences and implement tailored programs aimed at enhancing MHL among both male and female residents.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1555615/fullmental health literacygender differencesinfluencing factorslogistic regression analysiscross-sectional study |
| spellingShingle | Zhaosong Chu Jianling Xie Rui Liu Liqin Ou Zheng Lan Guojun Xie Gender-specific differences in mental health literacy and influencing factors among residents in Foshan City, China: a cross-sectional study Frontiers in Public Health mental health literacy gender differences influencing factors logistic regression analysis cross-sectional study |
| title | Gender-specific differences in mental health literacy and influencing factors among residents in Foshan City, China: a cross-sectional study |
| title_full | Gender-specific differences in mental health literacy and influencing factors among residents in Foshan City, China: a cross-sectional study |
| title_fullStr | Gender-specific differences in mental health literacy and influencing factors among residents in Foshan City, China: a cross-sectional study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Gender-specific differences in mental health literacy and influencing factors among residents in Foshan City, China: a cross-sectional study |
| title_short | Gender-specific differences in mental health literacy and influencing factors among residents in Foshan City, China: a cross-sectional study |
| title_sort | gender specific differences in mental health literacy and influencing factors among residents in foshan city china a cross sectional study |
| topic | mental health literacy gender differences influencing factors logistic regression analysis cross-sectional study |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1555615/full |
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