17113 Effectiveness of a Culturally Adapted School-Based Intervention to Enhance Mental Health Literacy and Reduce Stigma among Malaysian Chinese Adolescents

R1a-3

Abstract

Mental health challenges among Malaysian adolescents, particularly among Chinese adolescents are exacerbated by limited mental health literacy (MHL), pervasive stigma, and low help-seeking behaviours. Existing school-based interventions are often culturally incongruent, leading to limited impact. This study proposes a two-phase research project to culturally adapt, validate, and evaluate “The Guide”, a Canadian school-based mental health literacy intervention for Malaysian Chinese adolescents. The study has three key objectives: (i) to adapt and validate the module for cultural relevance, (ii) to assess its impact on MHL, stigma, and help-seeking behaviours, and (iii) to evaluate its feasibility and acceptability in Malaysian Chinese school settings. In Phase 1, the module will be culturally adapted and validated through expert review using Lawshe’s Content Validity Ratio. In Phase 2, a quasi-experimental design will compare pre, post, and follow-up outcomes between intervention and waitlist groups using repeated measures MANOVA. Accounting for potential attrition of 10–20%, a total of 88–99 participants per group will be recruited from two Chinese-medium secondary schools. Qualitative feedback will provide contextual insights from participants and educators. Anticipated findings include increased MHL, reduced stigma, and improved help-seeking attitudes. This research addresses a critical gap in adolescent mental health intervention in Malaysia and supports the National Strategic Plan for Mental Health (2020–2025) by advancing culturally appropriate, school-based prevention strategies. By fostering culturally grounded mental health awareness, the study is expected to support adolescent resilience in an AI-driven world increasingly shaped by digital media exposure and cross-cultural complexities. If proven effective, the module has the potential to be scaled and integrated into mental health education across Chinese-medium secondary schools nationwide.