The Psychological Health of the Secondary Schools Students in Ahvaz, Iran 2010

Abstract

Background: Psychological health of children and adolescents is an issue that requires special attention. Nowadays using various programs such as life skills education, mental health education, school-based health interventions and specific treatments can help children to have a useful life. The purpose of this study was to assess of psychological health of the students of secondary schools in Ahvaz-Iran during 20102011. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study has been done by cluster sampling of 1000 students (girls and boys, secondary school), selected from four different areas, identified by Ministry of Education, in Ahvaz. The instruments used in this study, demographic data questionnaire and psychological symptoms questionnaire (SCL90-R). In order to analyze the data, descriptive statistical tests (mean and standard deviation), and inferential statistical tests (t-test and Kruscal-Wallis) were utilized. Results: Based on results obtained, 31.5% of participants carried psychological illness symptoms, 62.1% girls and 37.9% boys. The prevalence of symptoms was phobia (49%), paranoid ideation (35.6%), psychosis (32.5%), interpersonal sensitivity (30.7%), obsession (29.6%), depression (44.6%), anxiety (44.8%), aggression (28.6%), and somatization (21.7%). The obtained results showed a significant difference between mental health and gender variable (among male participants). However, there was no significant difference between mental health with parents’ level of education and mothers’ jobs.