Abstract :
Background: Many studies have been conducted on the assessment of the mental health status of the labor force, but these results can’t be generalized for employees working in the pharmaceutical industry. Objectives: This study was carried out aiming to investigate the mental health status and related demographic factors among the employees of a pharmaceutical factory located in the industrial site of Rasht (North of Iran). Methods: All employees present at the factory (n = 122) were selected during a cross-sectional survey using census sampling method. The 28-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used in order to assess mental health status and a score of ≥ 23 was used as cut-off point. Results: According to the results, 30 people (24.6%) had somatic complaints, 26 people (21.3%) had symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, 56 people (45.9%) had social dysfunction, 6 people (4.9%) had depressed mood and finally 21 people (17.2%) were suspected of having a mental disorder. Also, younger employees (r = -0.23, P = 0.011) and those with no work experience (or having less work experience) may be more (β = -0.210, P = 0.031) at risk of mental disorders. There is no significant difference in terms of gender, the type of occupational unit (executive or supportive units) in terms of the different aspects of mental health, though. Conclusions: About one-fifth of the employees have symptoms of mental disorders. Necessary suggestions for mental health status improvement, especially for younger employees with less work experience, have been discussed.
