Mental health and risky behaviors among students in Kashan University of Medical Sciences: A cross-sectional study

Mirlohi , Hanieh Sadat; Azadchehr, Mohamad Javad; Omidi, Abdollah; Banafshe, Hamid Reza; Ghaderi, Amir

doi:10.48307/FMSJ.2025.29.1.10

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Volume 29, Issue 1 (Bimonthly 2025)

Feyz Med Sci J 2025, 29(1): 85-92

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Mental health and risky behaviors among students in Kashan University of Medical Sciences: A cross-sectional study

Hanieh Sadat Mirlohi

, Mohamad Javad Azadchehr

, Abdollah Omidi

, Hamid Reza Banafshe

, Amir Ghaderi ^*

Department of Addiction Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran & Department of Addiction Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran , gaderiam@yahoo.com

Abstract: (637 Views)

Background and Aim: The prevalence of mental disorders and the tendency toward risky behaviors among young people, especially students, has been increasing, placing this group at significant risk for both individual and social health. The present study aimed to determine the mental health status and the tendency toward risky behaviors among students at Kashan University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 400 students from Kashan University of Medical Sciences were selected through convenience sampling. Demographic information was collected, followed by assessment of mental health using the SCL-90 questionnaire, and evaluation of risky behaviors using validated instruments.
Results: The mean age of the students was 22.98 ± 2.4 years, and 243 (63.8%) of them were female. 55.6% of the students, based on the total score of the mental health questionnaire, exhibited signs of psychiatric disorders. Additionally, the mean tendency toward risky behaviors among participants was evaluated as less than 50%, indicating a low level. A significant relationship was observed between all mental health components and the tendency toward risky behaviors (P < 0.001, r = 0.376), except for the components of "sensitivity in interpersonal relationships" with alcohol and cigarette consumption, and "fear" with the tendency to engage in relationships with the opposite sex, which did not show a significant relationship.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that mental health plays a determining role in the emergence of risky behaviors among students. Therefore, designing and implementing comprehensive programs aimed at improving mental health, teaching life skills, managing emotions, and promoting mental well-being can effectively reduce risky behaviors among students. Given the importance of this issue, further studies and targeted interventions are recommended.

Keywords: Mental health, Risky behaviors, Students

Full-Text [PDF 362 kb] (198 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: medicine, paraclinic
Received: 2025/01/4 | Revised: 2025/04/23 | Accepted: 2025/02/3 | Published: 2025/04/22

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Mirlohi H S, Azadchehr M J, Omidi A, Banafshe H R, Ghaderi A. Mental health and risky behaviors among students in Kashan University of Medical Sciences: A cross-sectional study. Feyz Med Sci J 2025; 29 (1) :85-92
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