MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AMONG RELIGIOUS LEADERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION AND REFERRAL PATHWAYS IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65336/WJMS.2026.3905Keywords:
mental health literacy, religious leaders, Community Psychology, mental health promotion, referral pathways, ZimbabweAbstract
Religious leaders are trusted community figures who are frequently approached by individuals experiencing psychological difficulties. Their mental health literacy may influence early recognition, initial support, and referral to professional services. Although Zimbabwean evidence has documented the importance of clergy in community mental health, quantitative evidence describing mental health literacy, confidence, and referral attitudes among religious leaders remained limited. This study assessed mental health literacy among religious leaders and examined its implications for community mental health promotion and referral pathways in Harare, Zimbabwe. A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among 70 religious leaders in Harare. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire comprising demographic questions and 25 mental health literacy statements rated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Completely Disagree) to 5 (Completely Agree). Content validity was established through expert review and pilot testing. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarise the findings. Respondents demonstrated generally positive self-reported mental health literacy, with an overall mean score of 4.11 out of 5. However, lower scores were observed for distinguishing normal stress from serious mental illness (M = 3.63), recognising withdrawal from church activities as a possible mental health concern (M = 2.97), identifying serious emotional or psychological distress (M = 3.71), and knowing the steps to take when urgent professional help was required (M = 3.70). Support for professional referral and collaboration was particularly strong, with relevant item means ranging from 4.59 to 4.67. Only 17 respondents (24.3%) reported previous mental health training, while 53 (75.7%) reported none. Religious leaders reported generally positive mental health literacy and strong support for professional referral. Nevertheless, specific knowledge and confidence gaps indicated a need for targeted mental health education, clearer referral pathways, and collaboration between faith communities and mental health professionals. Community Psychology could contribute through prevention, capacity building, community participation, and strengthening community-professional linkages.
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