Surveying mental health status of new students of medical branch, Islamic Azad University using MMPI inventory in 2006-2007 educational year

ABSTRACT

Mental health status of students has important and efficient role in their social and educational performances. The aim of this study was to evaluate mental health status among the new student in Tehran medical branch, Islamic Azad University. This is a descriptive and causal comparative study in which 465 new students in different medical courses i.e. midwifery, medicine, nursing, laboratory science, environment health and family health were evaluated. The MMPI [Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory] along with demographic were used to collect the data. There was a significant association between depression, hysteria and paranoia with mother and father education. Frequency of depression, hysteria, hypochondriasis, social deviation, mental weakness and schizophrenia were statistically different in various courses. Totally, 19.5 percent of the new student has a form of psychological disorders. Based on mental health status, mental disorders and the relation between certain parameters with mental disorders in new students, It is compulsory such type of research for new entry student of different years to be performed, and counseling center should be active for counseling and educational class to be assigned to the difficulty over come