Abstract

Mental health challenges and health-related anxiety are commonly observed among individuals with physical disabilities, and these conditions may vary depending on the type and severity of the disability. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention aimed at improving mental health literacy and reducing health anxiety among people with physical disabilities. A single-group pretest-posttest design was utilized for the research. Data were obtained using two primary tools: a demographic data form and a validated scale to assess both mental health literacy and health anxiety. The intervention was implemented through a structured six-session psychoeducation program focused on mental health literacy. The study sample included 134 individuals with physical disabilities residing in the Fethiye region of Muğla, Türkiye. Among the participants, 50.75% were male, and individuals aged 18 to 22 represented 36.57% of the total sample. Additionally, 62.69% were married and 37.31% reported having a low income. Descriptive statistics were employed in analyzing the data. A statistically significant difference (p < .05) was observed between pre- and posttest scores, indicating that the program positively influenced mental health literacy and reduced health anxiety. The findings suggest that psychoeducational programs tailored to individuals with physical disabilities can contribute effectively to improving mental health outcomes and alleviating anxiety related to health.

Key words: Individuals with physical disabilities, mental health, health anxiety