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

Introduction: This research aims to determine the mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Markazi in 2015. Methods: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Markazi 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 Arak, Delijan, and Saveh 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 computer software. Results: This study showed that using the traditional scoring method, 25.1% of the subjects (31% of females and 18.9% of males) were suspected of having mental disorders. The prevalence of suspected psychiatric disorders in urban areas (25.2%) was higher than the prevalence of these disorders in rural areas (24.8%). 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 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 people was higher 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 18.6% in 1999 to 25.1% 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.