Objective To investigate the level of residents' mental health literacy (MHL) in Bengbu and analyze the related protective factors, so as to provide scientific basis for improving the level of residents' mental health.

Methods A total of 3122 permanent residents aged 18 and above in Bengbu were selected by stratified multi-stage random sampling method, and the national mental health literacy questionnaire was used to investigate.

Results A total of 3029 valid questionnaires were collected. The MHL compliance rate of Bengbu residents in 2023 was 20.76% (849/3029), and the differences of MHL level among different regions, ages and education levels residents were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.01). The results of single factor analysis showed that the differences of MHL compliance rate among different regions, ages and educational background residents were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.01). The compliance rate of the urban residents was higher than that of rural residents (P ＜ 0.01). The younger the age, the higher the compliance rate (P ＜ 0.01), and the higher the educational background, the higher the compliance rate(P ＜ 0.01). The results of logistic regression analysis results showed that compared with rural areas, age ≥60 years old and junior high school education or below residents, the MHL levels in the urban (OR = 1.971, 95%CI: 1.588–2.447), aged 18–29 years old (OR = 1.922, 95%CI:1.335–2.768) and 30–44 years old (OR = 1.587, 95%CI:1.195–2.109), college education (OR = 1.436, 95%CI: 1.101–1.873), bachelor degree (OR = 1.568, 95%CI: 1.143–2.152), master degree or above (OR = 6.723,95%CI: 1.703–26.543) residents were higher (P ＜ 0.01).

Conclusions The MHL levels of Bengbu residents are high. Living in the city, being 18–44 years old and having a college degree or higher are the protective factors of MHL.