Title of article :
Iranian Medical Practitioner’s Mental Health
Author/Authors :
Naghizadeh, Pegah Men’s Health & Reproductive Health Research Center - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Aliakbari, Fereshteh Men’s Health & Reproductive Health Research Center - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Hashemi, Reza Men’s Health & Reproductive Health Research Center - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Ranjgar, Bayramali Faculty of Psychology and Social Science - Roudehen Islamic Azad University, Tehran
Abstract :
Introduction: While the Mental health of Medical practitioners has drawn much attention worldwide in recent years, it has been neglected in Iran. This research aims to provide a quick insight into the mental health of
the medical practitioner. Methods: Samples were 208 medical practitioners with different scientific ranks and
various specialties in an educational hospital in Tehran. The General health questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used
as research too. Results: The Data collected by standard GHQ-12 questionnaire and demographic survey were
analysed with a cut-off point of 3 for classifying GHQ status among medical practitioners and3.5 (average point
of Iranian adults according to Ebadi et al. 2006) for comparing medical practitioners with the general population.
Data analysis revealed that 51.4% of medical practitioners fell below the average point of Iranian society in terms
of mental health. Other criteria were gender, marital status, scientific rank, work experience, and specialty. There
was no significant difference between males and females (Z=-1.662, p<0.096) and between single and married
ones (Z=0.604, p<0.546). A significant difference existed between medical practitioners with different scientific
ranks (assistant, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor) (Z=7.614, p<0.022). There was also a
significant positive relationship between work experience and mental health (r=0.240, p<0.001) and between age
and mental health (r=0.201, p<0.004). A comparison of surgical groups with the non-surgical group confirmed
the absence of significant difference (Z=-1.252, p<0.210), with both groups suffering from equally poor mental
health. The average mental health of internists and pathologists was significantly lower than general surgeons
and physiologists. Conclusion: The results denote that medical practitioners are exposed to stressful events
arising from their profession. It is recommended that their occupational conditions be carefully examined, and mental health promotion programs are designed and implemented.
Keywords :
GHQ-12 , Medical practitioners , Mental Health
Journal title :
Men's Health Journal
