Relation between Mental Health Literacy and Psychological Distress among Family Caregivers of Patients with psychiatric Disorders

Background: Family Caregivers of patients with psychiatric disorders frequently experience high levels of psychological distress due to demands of care-giving. Mental health literacy (MHL), which encompasses knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about mental health, plays a vital role in how caregivers understand and manage these challenges. Aim of the study: this Study aim to explore the relation between mental health literacy and psychological distress among family caregivers of patients with psychiatric disorders. Subject: A Convenience sample of 200 family caregivers of patients with psychiatric disorders was involved. Settings: The study was conducted at the outpatient psychiatric clinic at Tanta Mental Health Hospital which affiliated to Ministry of Health and population .Study design: A descriptive correlational research design was utilized. Study tools: Two tools were used: Tool I: Family caregiver�s Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) : This tool consists of two parts:- Part 1 : Socio- demographic data of family caregivers , Part 2: Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) Tool II: Kessler Psychological distress Scale (K10) . Results: The finding revealed that there was statistical significant negative correlation between total mental health literacy score and total psychological distress score which means that increasing caregiver' Mental Health Literacy leading to decrease their level of psychological distress. Conclusions :The study's findings led to the conclusion that family caregivers of patient with psychiatric disorders who had high level of MHL were more likely to experience low level of psychological distress and vice versa .Lack of MHL is thought to be a major contributor to increase the risk of psychological distress among family caregivers of patients with psychiatric disorders (PWPD) .Recommendations: Psychiatric nurses should assess the level of MHL and psychological distress of caregivers periodically and participate in conducting educational workshops related to thems