Self-rated health and self-confidence among Iranian medical students, a survey in Tehran University of medical sciences

Abstract

ABSTRACT Self-confidence is an attribute of the individual that enables one to have a positive or realistic view of themselves or the situations in which they exist. Investigations have shown that people with high self-confidence may have better general health. Based on our knowledge, no study has been conducted on the relationship between self-confidence and students’ health status so far in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between Self-rated health and self-confidence among students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. This cross-sectional study was performed on 600 students of different faculties at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. To measure self-confidence, the validated personal evaluation inventory (PEI) questionnaire and demographic characteristics questionnaire, suitable for Iranian medical students was used. To measure students’ Self-rated health as a dependent variable of the study, a standard question was used. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariable logistic regression. Of the 600 students who participated in the study, 322 (53.67%) were female and 278 (46.33%) were male. The overall mean score of students’ self-confidence was 66.71% (standard deviation = 10.42). In terms of Self-rated health, most participants reported good status (69.54% in females and 65.51% in males). The results showed the probability of having good health was associated with the rising of mean scores of self-confidence. It is recommended to educational policymakers to consider general and mental health and personal relationships as factors related to self-confidence and perform the necessary interventions needed to increase the level of self-confidence among students.