Survey on Mental Health Status in Iranian Population Aged 15 and Above One Year after the Outbreak of COVID-19 Disease: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders are the most common health problems that affect different population groups. According to the national survey in 2015 based on General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), 23.44% of Iranians older than 15 years were suspected of having a mental disorder. The study aimed to determine the mental health status of the population over 15 years of age in the Islamic Republic of Iran, one year after the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. METHODS: The population-based study was performed on 24584 individuals over 15 years of age in Iran between December and February, 2020. The GHQ-28 was completed through telephone interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent t-test, and multiple logistic regression at 95% confidence level. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean age of participants was 44.18±16.47 years. The prevalence of mental disorders was 29.7%. Mental disorder was associated with female gender (OR=1.195, 95% CI 1.10-1.29), 25-44 years (OR=1.206, 95% CI 1.06-1.36), urban life (OR=1.116, 95% CI 1.04-1.19), illiteracy (OR=1.286, 95% CI 1.11-1.48), being divorced (OR=1.924, 95% CI 1.50- 2.45), and unemployment (OR=1.657, 95% CI 1.40-1.94). Among the participants and their families, 14.7% and 32.3% were infected with the disease, respectively. The COVID-19 mortality rate in their families was 13.2%. The prevalence of mental disorders in infected people (40% vs. 27.3%) and bereaved families (39.6% vs. 35.3%) was more than the non-infected groups. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that in Iran, the mental health of the general population had a rising trend compared to 2015, especially in people infected with COVID-19 and bereaved families. The observed difference may be due to the prevalence of the COVID-19 epidemic and rapid demographic, social, and economic changes in Iran. Planning to improve mental health in the mentioned population should be considered for the post COVID-19 era.

Evaluation of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in People Aged 15 Years and Older in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Drug addiction is known as one of the health, medical and social problems of the present century. Beyond the harmful physical and mental consequences for addicts, drug abuse can cause serious social problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate drug and alcohol abuse in individuals aged 15 yr and over in Iran in 2015. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done on individuals aged 15 yr and older who lived in urban and rural areas of Iran. Overall, 36,600 individuals were selected by systematic and cluster random sampling. The postal code was used to access the samples in 31 provinces of Iran. In each province 1200 individuals (50% men, 50% women) were evaluated. The used instrument was the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), and data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The results showed 4.6% of individuals used Opium and its derivatives, 0.4% used Cannabis, 0.4% used Amphetamine stimulants, 6.1% used Sedative drugs, and 2.6% used Alcoholic beverages on a regular basis. Within the last 12 months, 3.9% of individuals used Opium and its derivatives, 0.4% used Cannabis, 0.3% used Amphetamine stimulants, 5.8% used Sedative drugs, and 1.9% used Alcoholic beverages. With the exception of Sedatives drugs men used more drugs than women and residents of rural areas used more opium and its derivatives than other groups of drugs. Based on the provincial distribution, Kerman and Qom used the highest and lowest prevalence percentage of Opium and its derivatives respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, 2340000 individuals were addicts used Opium and its derivatives in 2015, therefore, medical and health officials should take all necessary measures to deal with these serious social problems.

Mental Health Survey of the Iranian Adult Population in 2015.

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders influence people with a high prevalence and exert remarkable burden on community members. This study was carried out aiming to assess mental health status within the age range category of 15 and above in the Islamic Republic of Iran. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas in Iranian provinces. An estimated sample size of 36000 people was chosen using systematic random sampling and the cluster method. Access was provided by the contribution of the Geographical Post Office for each province. The GHQ-28 was used as a screening tool for mental disorders. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: The results were gathered by the traditional scoring method. A total of 23.44% of samples were suspected of having mental disorders. The prevalence of suspicion for mental disorders was higher in urban (24.55%) than rural areas (20.89%). The prevalence of anxiety and somatization symptoms was higher than social dysfunction and depression symptoms. The outcomes also revealed that the prevalence of suspicion for mental disorders increased noticeably with aging. Suspicion for these disorders was more common in women, divorcees and widows, illiterates, less educated, unemployed and disabled individuals compared with other potential groups of the society. CONCLUSION: Comparison of the outcomes from this study with the research conducted in 1999, demonstrated an increasing prevalence rate of suspicion for mental disorders. Therefore, it is mandatory for Iranian public health authorities to take the needed steps to ensure that necessary requirements encompassing prevention and promotion of mental health are implemented.

Trends of Mental Health Status in Iranian Population Aged 15 and above between 1999 and 2015.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this study was to compare the results of mental health surveys on adult populations of all provinces in Iran, between 1999 and 2015. METHODS: This study was an overview of two cross-sectional, descriptive studies that were performed in 1999 and 2015. The study population of these two studies consisted of urban and rural residents of all provinces in Iran. Samples were recruited by systematic random cluster sampling. In both studies, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used to assess mental health status of respondents. Trained psychologists completed questionnaires, and data were analyzed using SPSS software-18. RESULTS: The results showed that in the survey of 1999, 21% of participants suffered from mental disorders (25.9% of females and 14.9% of males). In the survey of 2015, 23.4% of samples were suspected of having mental disorders (27.6% of females and 19.3% of males). The prevalence of mental disorders increased from 1999 to 2014 by about 1.12 fold (1.06 fold in females and 1.3 fold in males). In the survey of 1999, rural residents were more at risk of mental disorders, while in the survey of 2015, urban residents were more prone to mental disorders. In both studies, the risk of suspicion for mental disorders increased with increasing age, and was higher in people aged 65 and above, as well as widowed, divorced and illiterate individuals. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed an increase in suspected cases of mental disorders in Iran from 1999 to 2015. Therefore, it is vital for policymakers and health officials to take action in order to improve and maintain mental health status of the people who are at risk in the country.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Alborz, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this study was to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Alborz in the year 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Alborz province in Iran. An estimated sample size of 1200 people was chosen using systematic random cluster sampling. Access was provided by the contribution of Geographical Post Office of Karaj, Mohammad Abad, and Nazar Abad cities. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used as the screening tool for mental disorders. The analysis of data in the current study was carried out using SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: Using GHQ traditional scoring method, the results showed that 19% of individuals (23.8% of females and 14.1% males) were suspected for mental disorders. The prevalence of suspected cases of mental disorders was 21.3% in urban and 13.8% in rural areas. It also showed that somatization and anxiety symptoms were more prevalent than social dysfunction and depression symptoms, and were more common in women than men. The results of this research also showed that the prevalence of suspected cases of mental disorders increased with aging. Such disorders were more common in females, age groups of 65 and above, people living in urban areas, divorced and widowed, illiterate and unemployed individuals compared with other groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that about one fifth of people in the province are suspected for mental disorders. Therefore, it is mandatory for the provincial public health authorities to take the needed steps to ensure that necessary requirements encompassing prevention and promotion of mental health are implemented.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Ardebil, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this study was to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Ardebil in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Ardebil province in Iran. An estimated sample size of 1200 people were chosen using systematic random cluster sampling. Access was provided by the contribution of Geographical Post Office of Ardebil, Pars abad and Germi cities. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used as the screening tool for mental disorders. Data analysis in the current study was carried out using the SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: Using GHQ traditional scoring method, the results showed that 21.4% of individuals (26.3% of females and 16.5% of males) were suspected of mental disorders. The prevalence of suspected cases of mental disorders was 20.8% in urban and 22.8% in rural areas. The results also showed that somatization and anxiety symptoms were more prevalent than social dysfunction and depression symptoms, and were more common in women than men. The results of this research also showed that the prevalence of suspected cases of mental disorders increased with aging. Such disorders were more common in females, age group of 65 and above, people living in rural areas, divorced and widowed, illiterate and unemployed individuals compared with other groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that about one fifth of people in the province were suspected of mental disorders. Therefore, it is mandatory for the provincial public health authorities to take the needed steps to ensure that necessary requirements encompassing prevention and promotion of mental health are implemented.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari in Iran. An estimated sample size of 1200 people was chosen using systematic random cluster sampling. The access was provided by the contribution of Geographical Post Office of Shahre Kord, Farsan and Farrokhshar cities. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used as the screening tool for mental disorders. The analysis of data in the current study was carried out using the SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: Using GHQ traditional scoring method, the results showed that 24.9% of the subjects were at risk of mental disorders (26.8% of females and 23% of males). Urban areas (27.1%) were more at risk of mental disorders compared with rural residents (19.1%). Anxiety and somatization symptoms were more frequent than depression and social dysfunction among respondents. The obtained data revealed that the prevalence of mental disorders increased with age. The results also indicated that mental disorders were more common in certain subgroups, in particular females, people aged 65 years and above, the divorced and widowed, illiterate and unemployed adults. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that one fourth of the participants are at risk of developing mental disorders. Although the prevalence of these disorders has decreased from 39.1% to 24.9% between 1999 and 2015, it is still of great importance to further promote mental health policies and advocate psychological welfare of those suffering from mental disorders along with their re-empowerment.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of East Azarbaijan, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this study was to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of East Azarbaijan in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of East Azarbaijan in Iran. An estimated sample size of 1200 people was chosen using systematic random cluster sampling. The access was provided by the contribution of Geographical Post Office of Tabriz, Sarab and Marand cities. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used as the screening tool for mental disorders. The analysis of data in the current study was carried out using the SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: Using GHQ traditional scoring method, the results showed that 24.9% of the studied population (29.9% of the women and 20.1% of the men) were considered as likely cases. The prevalence rate of mental disorders was 23.1% for rural and 25.7% for urban areas. Prevalence rates of somatization and anxiety were higher than social dysfunction and depression and women revealed higher prevalence for these disorders compared with men. It was also shown that the prevalence rate significantly increased with age and was higher in women, people aged 65 and above, urban residents, widowed or divorced, illiterate, unemployed and housewives people. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that about a quarter of the people in the province were suspected to have mental disorders. Comparing the results of the current survey with those of the study conducted in 1999 suggests that the prevalence of mental disorders is on the decrease in this province (from 25.2% in 1999 to 24.9% in 2015). Therefore, it seems vital that the officials take action in order to improve and maintain mental health status of the people who are at risk.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Fars, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this study was to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Fars in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Fars in Iran. Through systematic random cluster sampling, 1200 individuals were selected from the residents of urban and rural areas of Shiraz, Jahrom and Kazeroun. The 28-item version of the General Health Questionnaire was applied as the screening tool. The data were analyzed using SPSS, version 18.0 for windows. RESULTS: This study showed that using the traditional scoring method, 22.5% of the subjects (26.9% of females and 18% of males) were suspected of having mental disorders. The prevalence of suspected psychiatric disorders in urban areas (24.3%) was more than the prevalence of these disorders in rural areas (18.6%). The prevalence of suspected anxiety and the somatization of symptoms was higher than the prevalence of social dysfunction and depression, and the prevalence of these components was higher in women than men. The findings of this study also showed that the prevalence of suspected mental disorders increased significantly with age. The prevalence of suspected cases of these disorders was higher among women, the age group of 65 and older, people living in urban areas, divorced and widowed, illiterate, and retired compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that more than a fourth of the sample were suspected of mental disorders, and the prevalence of these disorders has decreased from 22.9% in 1999 to 22.5% in 2015. Therefore, it seems necessary for the provincial public health authorities to take the needed steps for providing requirements encompassing prevention and promotion of mental health in this area.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Bushehr, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Bushehr in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Bushehr province in Iran. Through systematic random cluster sampling, 1200 individuals were selected from the residents of urban and rural areas of Bushehr, Deilam and Borazjan. The 28-item version of the General Health Questionnaire was applied as the screening tool. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 18.0 for windows. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that using the traditional scoring method, 23.4% of the subjects (29% of females and 14.7% of males) were suspected of mental disorders. The prevalence of suspected psychiatric disorders in rural areas (24.5%) was more than the prevalence of these disorders in urban areas (22.8%). The prevalence of suspected anxiety and the somatization of symptoms was higher than the prevalence of social dysfunction and depression, and the prevalence of these components was higher in women than men. The findings of this study also showed that the prevalence of suspected cases of mental disorders increased significantly with age. The prevalence of suspected cases of these disorders was higher among females, the age group of 65 and older, people living in rural areas, divorced and widowed, students and primary and secondary education than other groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that more than one fourth of the sample were suspected of mental disorders, and the prevalence of these disorders has increased from 21.3% in 1999 to 23.4% in 2015. Therefore, it seems necessary for the provincial public health authorities to take the needed steps for providing requirements encompassing prevention and promotion of mental health in this area.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Golestan, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Golestan in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Golestan province in Iran. An estimated sample size of 1200 people was chosen using systematic random cluster sampling. The access was provided by the contribution of Geographical Post Office of Gorgan, Gonbad-e-Qabus, and Aqqala cities. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used as the screening tool for mental disorders. The analysis of data in the current study was carried out using the SPSS-18 computer software. RESULTS: Using GHQ traditional scoring method, the results showed that 12.8% of the subjects showed to be at risk of mental disorders (13.3% of females and 12.3% of males). Urban areas (13%) were more at risk of mental disorders compared with rural residents (12.3%). Anxiety and somatization symptoms were more frequent than depression and social dysfunction among respondents. The obtained data revealed that the prevalence of mental disorders increased with age. The results also indicated that mental disorders were more common in certain subgroups, in particular women, those aged 65 years and above, the divorced and widowed, illiterate and retired adults. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that one eighth of the participants were at risk of developing mental disorders. Although the prevalence of these disorders has decreased from 39.1% to 12.8% between 1999 and 2015, it is still of great importance to further promote mental health policies and advocate psychological welfare of those suffering from mental disorders along with their re-empowerment.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Hamadan, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Hamadan in 2015. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was performed among 1,200 individuals aged 15 years and older, living in urban and rural areas of the three cities of Hamedan, Asadabad, and Malayer. Individuals were enrolled in the study by clustered and systematic randomization. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), was used for screening for common mental disorders. Those scoring above the cut-off point of the GHQ-28 were considered to be suffering from at least one mental disorder. Data was analyzed using the SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: This study showed that using the traditional scoring method, 30.7% of the subjects (31.4% of females and 29.9% of males) were suspected of having mental disorders. The prevalence of suspected psychiatric disorders in urban areas (32.8%) was higher than the prevalence of these disorders in rural areas (25.3%). The prevalence of suspected anxiety and the somatization of symptoms was higher than the prevalence of social dysfunction and depression, and the prevalence of these components was higher in women than men. The findings of this study also showed that the prevalence of suspected mental disorders increased significantly with age. The prevalence of suspected cases of these disorders among women, the age group of 65 and older, people living in urban areas, divorced and widowed, primary and secondary, and unemployed people was higher than other groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that about one third of the sample are suspected of mental disorders, and the prevalence of these disorders has decreased from 34.7% in 1999 to 30.7% in 2015. Therefore, it is mandatory for the provincial public health authorities to take the needed steps to ensure that necessary requirements encompassing prevention and promotion of mental health are implemented.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Hormozgan, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Hormozgan in 2015. METHODS: This cross-sectional field study was conducted on the residents of both urban and rural areas of the Hormozgan province. Through systematic random cluster sampling, 1200 individuals were selected from the residents of urban and rural areas of Bandar Abbas, Bandar Lengeh and Minab. The 28-item version of the General Health Questionnaire was applied as the tool of screening. The data were analyzed using SPSS, version 18.0 for windows. RESULTS: This study indicates that using the traditional scoring method, 28.2% of study population are highly suspicious for psychiatric disorders (35.4% of females and 21.1% of males). The prevalence of probable psychiatric disorders in urban areas (28.9%) was higher than rural areas (26.5%). The prevalence of probable somatization and anxiety was higher than the prevalence of social dysfunction and depression, and also the prevalence of these disorders was higher in women. The findings of this study show that the prevalence of probable psychiatric disorders has a direct relationship with increasing age and the prevalence of such disorders is higher in women, urban residents, individuals aged more than 65 years, divorced and widowed individuals, illiterate, housewives and unemployed people. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that 28.2% of study population (more than a fourth) are suspicious for psychiatric disorders, and the prevalence of these disorders increased from 22.9% in 1999 to 28.2% in 2015. So, health authorities in this province have to do their best for provision, maintenance and improvement of mental health.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Gilan, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this study was to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Gilan in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Fars in Iran. An estimated sample size of 1200 people was chosen using systematic random cluster sampling. The access was provided by the contribution of Geographical Post Office of Rasht, Fouman, and Hashtpar cities. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used as the screening tool for mental disorders. The analysis of data in the current study was carried out using the SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: Using GHQ traditional scoring method, the results showed that 18% of the studied population (19.3% of the females and 16.6% of the males) were considered as likely cases. The prevalence rate of mental disorders was 18.7% for urban and 17.7% for rural areas. Prevalence rates of somatization and anxiety were higher than social dysfunction and depression and women revealed higher prevalence for these disorders compared with men. It was also shown that the prevalence rate significantly increased with age and was higher in women, people aged 65 and above, urban residents, widowed or divorced, illiterate, and unemployed people. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that about a fifth of the people in the province are suspected to have mental disorders. Comparing the results of the current survey with those of the study conducted in 1999 suggests that the prevalence of mental disorders is on the decrease in this province (from 25.2% in 1999 to 18% in 2015). Therefore, it seems vital that the officials take action in order to improve and maintain mental health status of the people who are at risk.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Ilam, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Ilam in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Ilam in Iran. An estimated sample size of 1200 people was chosen using systematic random cluster sampling. The access was provided by the contribution of Geographical Post Office of Ilam, Dehloran and Eyvan cities. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used as the screening tool for mental disorders. The analysis of data in the current study was carried out using the SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: Using GHQ traditional scoring method, the results showed that 32.4% of individuals (37% of females, and 28.1% of males) were likely to have a mental disorder. The prevalence of suspected cases of mental disorders was 33% in urban and 31% in rural areas. The prevalence of mental disorders was higher in females, people living in urban areas, those aged 65 years and above, divorced or widowed, illiterate, and the retired compared to other groups. In addition, the prevalence increased with age. The prevalence of anxiety and somatization symptoms was higher than social dysfunction and depression. Moreover, the prevalence of these symptoms was higher in females than males. CONCLUSION: Almost one third of the samples were likely to have a mental disorder. Therefore, the provincial authorities and health providers should take essential steps for providing and maintaining mental health services to promote community mental health.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Isfahan, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Isfahan in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Isfahan in Iran. Through systematic random cluster sampling, 1200 individuals were selected from the residents of urban and rural areas of Isfahan, Kashan and Shahin shahr. The 28-item version of the General Health Questionnaire was applied as the screening tool. The data were analyzed using SPSS, version 18.0 for windows. RESULTS: This study showed that using the traditional scoring method, 30.6% of the subjects (38.5% of females and 22.5% of males) were suspected of having mental disorders. The prevalence of suspected psychiatric disorders in urban areas (32.1%) was higher than the prevalence of these disorders in rural areas (27%). The prevalence of suspected anxiety and the somatization of symptoms was higher than the prevalence of social dysfunction and depression, and the prevalence of these components in women was higher than men. The findings of this study also showed that the prevalence of suspected mental disorders increased significantly with age. The prevalence of suspected cases of these disorders among women, the age group of 65 and older, people living in urban areas, divorced and widowed, illiterate, and housewives was higher than other groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that more than one third of the sample are suspected of mental disorders, and the prevalence of these disorders has increased from 21.3% in 1999 to 30.6% in 2015; therefore, it is up to the authorities and health managers of the province to take the basic steps to supply, maintain, and preserve the mental health of those in need and promote the mental health of the community.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Khouzestan, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Khouzestan in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Khouzestan in Iran. An estimated sample size of 1200 people was chosen using systematic random cluster sampling. The access was provided by the contribution of Geographical Post Office of Ahvaz, Imam khomeini Bandar, and Shooshtar cities. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used as the screening tool for mental disorders. Data analysis in the current study was carried out using the SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: Using GHQ traditional scoring method, 21.8% of the subjects were shown to be at risk of mental disorders (26.2% of females and 23% of males). Urban areas (27.1%) were more at risk of mental disorders compared with rural residents (16.8%). The prevalence of suspected cases of mental disorders in urban areas (25.4%) was higher than rural areas (13.4 %). Anxiety and somatization symptoms were more frequent than depression and social dysfunction among respondents. The obtained data revealed that the prevalence of mental disorders increased with age. Such disorders were more common in females, age group of 65 and above, people living in rural areas, divorced and widowed, illiterate, housewives and unemployed individuals compared with the other groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that about a fourth of the people in the province were suspected to have mental disorders and the prevalence of these disorders has increased from 21.3% in 1999 to 21.8% in 2015. Therefore, it is mandatory for the provincial public health authorities to take the needed steps to ensure that necessary requirements encompassing prevention and promotion of mental health are implemented.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Kerman, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Kerman in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Kerman in Iran. An estimated sample size of 1200 people was chosen using systematic random cluster sampling. The access was provided by the contribution of Geographical Post Office of Kerman, Jiroft and Bam cities. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used as the screening tool for mental disorders. The analysis of data in the current study was carried out using the SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: Using GHQ traditional scoring method, the results showed that 18.8% of the subjects showed to be at risk of mental disorders (22.9% of females and 14.8% of males). Urban areas (20.2%) were more at risk of mental disorders compared with rural residents (16%). Anxiety and somatization symptoms were more frequent than depression and social dysfunction among respondents. The obtained data revealed that the prevalence of mental disorders increased with age. The results also indicated that mental disorders were more common in certain subgroups; in particular women, those aged 65 years and above, the divorced and widowed, illiterate and unemployed adults. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that one fifth of the samples were suspected of psychiatric disorders and the prevalence of these disorders has decreased from 22.9% in 1999 to 18.8% in 2015; so, it is on the authorities and health managers of the province to maintain the essential elements for continuity of mental health services to people with mental disorders.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Kermanshah, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Kermanshah in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Kermanshah in Iran. An estimated sample size of 1200 people was chosen in three clusters: Kermanshah, Islamabad-e-Gharb, and Sonqor by using the systematic random sampling method. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used as the screening tool for evaluation of status for mental disorders. The traditional method for scoring of GHQ-28 was used in this study. Data analysis was carried out using the SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: Response rate for the study was 97.83%. The results showed that 26.2% of individuals (29.4% of females and 23% of males) were suspected to suffer from mental disorder, in total. The prevalence of being suspected of mental disorders was 28.9% in urban and 19.7% in the rural areas. Somatization and anxiety symptoms were more prevalent than social dysfunction and depression symptoms and were more common in women than men. The results of this research also showed that the prevalence of being suspected of mental disorders increased with aging. Suspicion for these disorders was more common in females, those aged ≥65, people living in urban areas, divorced and widowed, illiterate, housewives and unemployed individuals compared with the other groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that more than a quarter of the people in Kermanshah province were suspected to have mental disorders. These findings mandate further attention in the province health policy and program planning for prevention and promotion of mental health.

A Survey on Mental Health Status of Adult Population Aged 15 and above in the Province of Kordestan, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Kordestan in 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Kordestan in Iran. An estimated sample size of 1200 people was chosen using systematic random cluster sampling. The access was provided by the contribution of Geographical Post Office of Sanandaj, Divandareh and Bijar cities. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used as a screening tool for mental disorders. Data analysis in the current study was carried out using the SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: With the traditional scoring method used, 30.4% of the participants (38.1% of women and 22.9% of men) were suspected of having mental disorders. The suspected prevalence of mental disorder was higher in urban (32.5%) than rural areas (25.3%). The suspected prevalence of somatic symptoms and anxiety was greater than the suspected prevalence of social dysfunction and depression, and these disorders were more prevalent in women than men. The findings also showed that the suspected prevalence of mental disorder increased with age. The suspected prevalence of these disorders was higher in women, urban residents, the over 65 age group, the divorced and widowed subjects, the illiterate, the retired and the housewives compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: The present findings showed that almost a third of the samples were suspected of mental disorder, and the prevalence of these disorders had increased from 21.8% in 1999 to 30% in 2015. The health authorities of the province should therefore take the necessary measures to protect and treat people with mental disorders and promote mental health in the community.