Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- . Nilufar Safaie 1
- . Sara Ketabi 2
- . Naimossadat Kia 3
- . Majid Mirmohammadkhani 4
- . Mohammad Reza Moonesan 5
- . Fatemeh Paknazar 4
1 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences
2 Department of Internal Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences
3 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Community Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences
4 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Semnan University of Medical Sciences
5 Department of Emergency Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim was to explore the relationship between mental health problems (MHPs) and
health‑promoting lifestyle (HPL) in the medical students.
METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was carried out on medical students in 2017 at Semnan
University of Medical Sciences applying a stratified random sampling. The Symptom Checklist‑25
and the HPL profile scales were used. Logistic regression models were used to analysis.
RESULTS: Of the participants, 84 were male and 148 were female. The mean age was
22.69 years (±2.42). Most students (95.3%) were single and 40.1% were in the preclinical stage.
The mean MHP score was 44.14 (±13.99), and 3% were in the severe category. The mean HPL
score was 104.88 (±16.84); 95.7% and 4.3% of them had average and satisfactory lifestyles,
respectively. The MHP score of the female (P < 0.001), younger (P < 0.001), single (P = 0.045),
preclinical (P < 0.001), and who were away from home (P = 0.009) were significantly higher.
The HPL score of female (P < 0.001), older (P = 0.041), and married students (P = 0.028) were
significantly higher. The female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 4.45, P < 0.001) and studying in the clinical
level (OR = 0.30, P < 0.001) were the most important associated factors with MHP. Adjusting for
them, there was a significant relationship between an increase in the HPL score and a decrease in
the likelihood of MHP (OR = 0.96, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The mental health of medical students was shown to be in association with lifestyle
independent of other important determinants, including gender and academic level. It seems that
modifying the lifestyle to a healthier way can improve students’ mental health.
Keywords
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