Aim and Background: Due to the alarming, rising trend in emotional and mental problems and suicidal ideation among students, identifying factors that can threaten the quality of life (QOL) and health of students is essential. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of mental health and suicidal ideation with health-related QOL (HRQOL) among students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2014-2015. Methods and Materials: In this cross-sectional study, 1000 students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were selected through stratified random sampling. Using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and a demographic characteristics questionnaire, the relationship of mental health and suicidal ideation with HRQOL and its dimensions was determined. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, ANOVA, and the multiple regression model. Findings: The finding showed that the average QOL score of the students was 70.70 (95% CI: 69.71–71.68) and quality of life for females student was higher than males. The highest score was related to physical performance with a mean score of 85.29 (95% CI: 83.95–86.56), and the lowest score was related to limitation in role performance due to emotional problems with a mean score of 55.26 (95% CI: 52.48–58.17). A significant relationship was observed between mental health and suicidal ideation, and HRQOL and its dimensions among students (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study indicated a high prevalence of mental disorders and suicidal ideation among students. The results also suggest that these factors are related to the students’ level of QOL. The prevention, detection, and treatment of mental disorders and suicidal ideation must be considered as a priority by the university authorities in order to improve the QOL of students.
Aim and Background: The suicide phenomenon is a social abnormality that is common in Iran and specifically among students. This phenomenon has multiple dimensions that occur as a result of psychological, social, economic and cultural factors. Efficient use of student potential and efforts to maintain the dynamics of the academic environment requires the attention to the students’ problems and investigate their tensions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of suicide ideation among students of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences. Methods and Materials: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study sample of 400 students of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences were selected through available sampling method. Data were collected by using Beck Suicidal Thoughts Assessment (BSSI). Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Findings: The results showed that the prevalence of high-risk suicidal thoughts in Zanjan University of Medical Sciences students was 6%. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts in men (10.2%) was significantly higher than in women (3.6%) (p=.002). The prevalence of suicidal thoughts in non-dormitory students (19%) was significantly higher than dormitory students (4.9%) (p=.017). No significant difference was found between the prevalence of suicidal ideation based on educational levels (p=.566). Conclusions: This study showed that suicidal ideation among students was a significant outbreak. Considering that suicidal ideation can be the basis for suicide attempts, mental health services and regular screening can be effective in preventing this problem among students.
