Lay summary
Positive links have been demonstrated between mental health literacy (MHL) and mental health and wellbeing outcomes. Evidence also suggests that measuring MHL is crucial to promoting mental health care, particularly for populations more vulnerable to mental health concerns. This is important given the overrepresentation of Pacific peoples in mental health statistics. Therefore, this project aims to develop a culturally appropriate and relevant psychometric Pasifika MHL measurement tool in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. A Pasifika MHL measure has the potential to offer a quick and meaningful way to provide insight into the mental health beliefs, knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviours of Pacific peoples. The Pasifika MHL measurement tool can be used to support Pacific mental health by providing a way to regularly monitor the MHL of our communities and by generating an evidence base to inform areas such as policy, health promotion, education, and the intervention and prevention space.