Research in Medicine

Background : Mental health is a matter of controversy in psychiatry. Individuals' ability to coping with changes and stresses is one of the factors that may influence mental health. The goal of the present study was to assess psychological morbidly and coping strategies in freshman students of Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2004.

Methods: During this cross sectional study, 249 students received three self–report questionnaires. They were asked to complete the 28–item general health questionnaire (GHQ-28), Billings and Moos coping questionnaire as well as a demographic questionnaire. The data were analyzed with chi-square and t-tests.

Results: Totally, 36.1% of students scored above the threshold of 23 for GHQ-28 with insignificant differences between genders. Suspected students used emotional inhibition and somatization as coping strategies more frequently than others (p<0.05), however, normal students (GHQ<23) used problem-solving strategy and cognitive evaluation more commonly than others (p<0.05). Attraction of social support did not show a statistical significant difference between suspected subjects and the group with GHQ<23.

 Conclusion: Subjects ranged within the normal limit of mental health employ more effective and active coping strategies and cognitive evaluation of problems and finding solution. With respect to the inseparability of life and education from stresses, educating students for effective coping strategies, especially during the first years of university can increase their immunity against psychological disorders.