Keyword: questionnaire development

ABSTRACT: Understanding mental health literacy is essential in equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to manage mental health concerns effectively. A structured survey-based approach was implemented to examine key dimensions of mental health literacy among secondary and post-secondary students in Bukidnon, Philippines. The study involved 3,397 legally aged students from secondary and post-secondary institutions, with most participants enrolled in undergraduate programs. Using validated measurement procedures, the findings confirm that mental health literacy is shaped by awareness of resources, help-seeking behavior, perceived stigma, self-efficacy in managing mental health, and cultural influences. Each dimension demonstrated stable measurement properties and meaningful relationships within the overall model. The developed questionnaire provides a reliable and multidimensional tool for assessing literacy patterns within academic settings. By identifying strengths and gaps across these domains, the instrument offers a structured basis for designing interventions that strengthen awareness, reduce stigma, promote help-seeking, and support student well-being within similar educational contexts.