Factors Associated With Mental Health Literacy, Depression, and Anxiety Amongst Indonesian Adolescents

Aims: This study aims to identify factors associated with mental health literacy (mental health knowledge and attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behaviours), depression and anxiety amongst adolescents, and test the hypothesised model by examining the interrelationships between these outcomes.

Design: Cross-sectional descriptive quantitative research.

Methods: Using convenient sampling, 615 adolescents from four public schools completed online questionnaires measuring mental health literacy, depression, and anxiety. The data were analysed using Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Results: Individual factors (e.g., gender, physical health and past traumatic experiences), family factors (e.g., parental criticism and family support) and school/community factors (e.g., academic pressure and safety) were associated with mental health outcomes. SEM revealed an association between higher mental health knowledge and better attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behaviours but did not show a significant association with depression and anxiety.

Conclusions: Findings emphasise the need for holistic and culturally safe approaches to address adolescent mental health in Indonesia.

Implications: Future research should focus on developing and evaluating tailored mental health interventions in Indonesia that address individual, family, school, and community factors. These interventions should target the interrelated aspects of mental health literacy, depression, and anxiety identified in this study. Key areas for intervention include enhancing self-esteem, promoting help-seeking behaviours, supporting spirituality, managing long-term conditions, improving sleep hygiene, encouraging physical activity, teaching stress management techniques, fostering diversity, managing trauma, and combating discrimination. A comprehensive approach to adolescent mental well-being should integrate parental involvement, peer support systems, community engagement initiatives, and mental health literacy education.

Impact: This research informs future interventions such as school-based programs, family-oriented campaigns, and community initiatives to support adolescent mental health, potentially influencing policy decisions, and resource allocation in mental health services.

Reporting method: STROBE guidelines.

Patient or public contribution: No direct patient or public contribution.