Depression Literacy and Its Relationship with Depression Stigma and Attitude Toward Seeking Help in Iranian Women

Abstract

Aims Depression, anxiety, and psychiatric symptoms are more prevalent among women than men. Given the significance of depression literacy and its associated factors, this study aimed to explore the level of depression literacy and its correlation with depression stigma and attitudes toward seeking help among Iranian women attending health centers in Saveh City. Instrument & Methods This cross-sectional study assessed 280 women aged 18-65 selected through cluster sampling from September 2023 to December 2023 in Saveh County, Iran. Reliable and validated tools, including the D-Lit Questionnaire, Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale, and DSS-Personal Subscale were utilized for data collection. Data analysis was conducted using independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA. Predictors were identified through hierarchical linear regression analysis. Findings The lowest correct answer rate was associated with knowledge of available treatment methods (15.4). The mean scores for D-Lit, attitude toward seeking help, and personal depression stigma were 41.36±4.83, 23.63±3.69, and 25.39±4.36, respectively. Education level, consultation with a psychologist, attitude toward seeking help, and depression stigma collectively accounted for approximately 23 of the variance in depression literacy. Conclusion The level of depression literacy among Iranian women is insufficient. © 2024, the Authors.