Studying the Mental Health Status of Soldiers and Related Factors: A Descriptive Study

Introduction Mental health is one of the pillars of health and a prerequisite for a useful, effective, and satisfying individual life. Since the main body of the Armed Forces consists of Iranian youth, the present research aimed to study the mental health status of soldiers. Methodology The present research was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The statistical population included 100 soldiers who were selected by the total enumeration method. The required data and information were collected using the standard 28-item General Health Questionnaire, known as Goldbergs GHQ28. The obtained data and information were analyzed using descriptive tests and Chi-square in SPSS-16 software. Results The mean age of soldiers was 22.61.9 (years). Evaluation of mental health in four dimensions in the studied population of soldiers showed that the mean score of mental health is 55 out of 112. In addition, the mean score of physical health, anxiety and sleep disorders, social dysfunction, and depression were obtained 134.7, 145.8, 154.9, and 13.16 (out of 28), respectively. According to Pearson test, there is a significant relationship between mental health and years of service (pless than0.001). In addition, the results of t-test showed that there is a significant relationship between marital and residential status and general health (pless than0.001). The results of ANOVA suggested no significant relationship between mental health and education degree. Discussion and conclusion The mean score of mental health indicates a moderate level of mental disorder. According to the results of this study, the officials of mental health in the armed forces are recommended to provide counseling and psychological services for soldiers and also develop a database for mental health of soldiers for timely prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of vulnerable people.