Relationship between Islamic Lifestyle and Mental Health among the Students of the Qom University of Medical Sciences

Background and Objectives: Islamic lifestyle is associated with all dimensions of life and can play an important role in maintaining health. The present study was conducted to investigate correlation between dimensions of Islamic lifestyle and mental health in the students of the Qom University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The study population of this descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study conducted in 2016 consisted of the students of the QUMS. Of this population, 150 people were selected by multistage sampling. Data gathering was conducted by the short version of Islamic lifestyle test and 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed by descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Mean (standard deviation) score for Islamic lifestyle and mental health variables in the students was 417.14±42.21 and 15.4±2.21, respectively. There was a significant correlation between Islamic lifestyle and mental health (r=-0.65, p<0.05). Among the variables included in the stepwise multiple regression, Thinking and Science, Financial, and Social dimensions had significant effect on mental health. Conclusion: Thinking and Science dimension was the most important Islamic lifestyle aspect followed by Financial and Social dimensions. These components help promote studentsʹ mental health.