Construct validity and internal consistency of the revised Mental Health Literacy Scale in South African and Zambian contexts

Abstract

<p><b>Aim</b>: The aim of this study was to evaluate the construct validity and internal consistency of the revised Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) in South Africa (SA) and Zambia.<br></p><p><b>Design</b>: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2018 and December 2019.<br></p><p><b>Methods</b>:<b> </b>The study population comprised PHC workers (n = 454) in five districts in SA and Zambia. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to explore the construct validity, and Cronbach's alpha was applied to measure the internal consistency of the MHLS.<br></p><p><b>Results</b>: Cronbach's alpha values for three attributes were below the appropriate level, but the value was strong (0.804) for the whole scale. The study found nine components explaining similar to 59% of the total variance of variables. All MHLS items loaded to main attributes based on the theory of MHL. The results stated that the revised version of the MHLS is a construct valid instrument with strong internal consistency.</p>