Degree
BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)
Faculty / School
School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)
Department
Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts
Date of Award
Spring 2025
Date of Submission
2025-07-27
Advisor
Dr. Shameel Khan
Committee
Dr. Hiba Zaheer
Project Type
SSLA Culminating Experience
Access Type
Restricted Access
Keywords
Mental Health Literacy, Health Care Professionals, Mental Health Literacy of Healthcare Professionals.
Abstract
The study aims to examine the levels of Mental Health Literacy (MHL) among primary health care professionals in Karachi, excluding those working in the mental health sector. Additionally, it seeks to identify the key barriers and facilitators that impact MHL within the healthcare sector. While limited research on this topic exists in Pakistan, international studies have predominantly relied on quantitative methods to assess MHL levels or systematic reviews of existing literature. To address this gap, my research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining semi-structured interviews with the use of the Mental Health Literacy Scale. This scale is a 35-item clinical self-assessment tool designed to measure knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders, aiding in their recognition, management, and prevention. At the same time, my interviews with healthcare professionals aimed to understand the facilitators or barriers they face in integrating mental health care into their diagnosis and treatment plans. Quantitative data was analyzed using the scoring method provided by the MHL questionnaire while interviews were thematically analyzed. Quantitative results revealed notable variation across MHL domains. Most participants scored high in recognizing mental disorders and identifying risk factors, but showed lower scores in self-treatment knowledge and awareness of professional help, with only one participant reaching the maximum in these areas. Attitudes toward help-seeking ranged from 38 to 63 out of 80, reflecting inconsistent openness toward mental health care. Qualitative findings reinforced these patterns, revealing barriers such as lack of training, emotional burnout, poor referral systems, and rigid clinical hierarchies.
Pages
106
Recommended Citation
Halai, I. (2025). Understanding Mental Health Literacy Among Karachi-Based Healthcare Workers. A Study of Knowledge, Workplace Barriers, and Facilitators. (Unpublished undergraduate project). Institute of Business Administration, Pakistan. Retrieved from https://ir.iba.edu.pk/sslace/400
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