mental health

In recent years, the rate of migration from one country to another has increased significantly. Immigrants, whether by choice or by force, encounter numerous challenges and socio-economic stressors during and after migration, and this can severely affect their mental health and quality of life.  Research indicated that immigrants are more susceptible to psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder than non-immigrants

Unfavorable psychological and social conditions in medical groups, including medical assistants, can have widespread consequences for individual health, social well-being, and the quality of healthcare services. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the mental, social, and family health status of medical assistants.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during the 2022-2023 academic year on medical assistants at Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Demographic information of participants was collected, and to assess mental, social, and family health, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Keyes Social Well-Being Questionnaire (KSWBQ), and Family of Origin Scale (FOS) were utilized, respectively.

A total of 72 medical assistants participated in this study, of whom 58.3% were female and the rest were male. The majority of participants (44.4%) were in the age range of 30 to 35 years, with most of them (30.6%) in their second year of assistantship. The results showed that 54.2% of the assistants had moderate mental health, 95.8% had moderate social health, and 76.4% had high family health. In terms of mental health dimensions, anxiety and sleep disturbances had the highest mean score (9.15 ± 5.34). Regarding social health, social acceptance (15.89 ± 1.93) and social participation (13.17 ± 2.93) had the highest mean scores. No significant differences were observed in mental, social, and family health scores based on gender, age, or field of study (P>0.05), however the family intimacy dimension significantly decreased with increasing years of study (P<0.05).

The findings revealed that medical assistants' mental and social health levels were moderate, while their family health status was high. Given the high prevalence of anxiety and sleep disturbances in this group, it is essential to develop practical strategies to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Additionally, planning for the training of social skills and increasing social participation among medical assistants, which can ultimately enhance the general health of the community, is critical.

With the spread of web-based applications among students, problematic Internet use (PIU) is increasing. This study aims of investigate the PIU rate among high school students in Tehran, Iran.

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 256 second-year high school students in Tehran city were included using a convenience sampling method in 2022. The data collection tools were a demographic form and the problematic internet Use questionnaire (PIUQ). The collected data was analyzed in SPSS software, version 16 using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t-test, analysis of variance).

The mean total score of PIUQ was 50.27±8.19 out of 100. Among the PIUQ domains, social interactions had the highest mean (2.59±0.55), while adverse effects had the lowest mean (2.44±0.51). There was no significant difference in the PIUQ score based on any demographic variables (P>0.05).

The development of educational programs by high school officials for students to reduce the adverse effects of PIU is recommended.

Employee health is a critical predictor of organizational productivity. Accordingly, the purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of reverse mentoring and job crafting on mental and physical health, with engagement playing a mediating role.

This research employed a descriptive survey design with an applied focus, conducted cross-sectionally using survey methods for data collection. The statistical population consisted of 330 employees from the Amirkabir Kashan Steel Company. A sample size of 180 was determined using Cochran’s formula, and a simple random sampling method was utilized. Data were collected via a standardized questionnaire comprising 63 questions. The questionnaire’s validity was confirmed through convergent and divergent validity tests, and its reliability was supported by Cronbach’s alpha, which exceeded 0.7 for all variables. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (SPSS) and inferential statistics (PLS).

The findings confirmed all hypotheses and demonstrated the appropriate fit of the research model. Results revealed significant impacts of reverse mentoring on mental health (β = -0.482, t = 5.899) and physical health (β = 3.460, t = 4.430), as well as job crafting on mental health (β = -0.545, t = 6.193) and physical health (β = -0.756, t = 8.979) among employees and managers of the Amirkabir Kashan Steel Company. Moreover, engagement was found to mediate the effects of reverse mentoring on mental health (β = -0.510, t = 5.948) and physical health (β = -0.242, t = 3.799). Engagement also mediated the effects of job crafting on mental health (β = -0.345, t = 4.186) and physical health (β = -0.405, t = 4.751).

The results indicate that by implementing reverse mentoring and job crafting methods, managers can effectively control engagement levels, thereby maintaining organizational productivity and improving the health and well-being of employees.

Literacy is a fundamental human right and the foundation of lifelong education and learning, as it transforms individuals' lives, enhances their capabilities, and improves their opportunities. The aim of this article is to examine the impact of participation in literacy courses on the mental health of female learners in Kerman Province, particularly in terms of improving their problem-solving skills and self-esteem.

This study employs a quantitative research design utilizing a survey method and a quasi-experimental control group approach. The target population consisted of women categorized into three levels of literacy (highly literate, semi-literate, and low literate) during the 2023-2024 academic year. A multistage cluster sampling method was applied across nine counties in Kerman Province, resulting in the selection of 14 classes. In total, 79 literate women and 79 illiterate women were chosen. For data collection, the Cassidy and Long Problem-Solving Styles Questionnaire and the Eysenck Self-Esteem Questionnaire were utilized. Following data collection, the results were analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Resuls: Literacy is positively and moderately correlated with the self-esteem of female learners. This factor is also associated with problem-solving abilities. Women who lack reading and writing skills exhibit a lower sense of competence compared to their literate counterparts. They often experience a fear of reading, which may lead to subsequent avoidance behaviors.

Literacy education significantly contributes to the enhancement of mental health in terms of problem-solving skills and self-esteem among female learners participating in literacy programs. With the continuation of literacy education, this improvement is expected to increase further.

One area that can be affected by the publication of media content is the mental health of population. The current research aimed to identify the role of media literacy in improving the mental health of Iranian society.

This applied research was done in 2024 using a mixed method approach. The statistical population in the qualitative section included communication professors specializing in media literacy and psychology, while in the quantitative section included all citizens over 18 years old living in Tehran. In the qualitative part, the interviews and purposive sampling method were used to collect data, and thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data obtained from the interviews. In the quantitative part, a researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data, emplying a multi-stage random cluster sampling method to collect data. Finally, 384 questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Teaching the methods for distinguishing true from fake news, injuries resulting from negative news, teaching how to face negative news, teaching media literacy from pre-school to high school, and the development of multimedia skills have the highest frequency among the particiants. According to the quantitative results, the value of Pearson's statistic for “understanding the content of media messages”, “the hidden goals of media messages”, “the conscious selection of media messages”, “a critical look at media messages”, and “the analysis of media messages” were equal to 0.541, 0.577, 0.311, 0.533, and 0.420, respectively (P<0.0001). This indicates a significant relationship between the five dimensions of media messages and the improvement of mental health in Iranian society.

The results show that as  media literacy increases, the mental health of society also improves, and vice versa. Therefore, media literacy training should be prioritized in the field of mental health for society. Prioritizing this training not only enhances people's ability to recognize fake news and false content, but can also improve their mental health.

The evaluation of the mental health of patients with oral cancer and their means of receiving social support from the family, community and friends is considered a crucial secondary outcome affecting the treatment process. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of perceived social support and demographic factors on the mental health of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma in Shiraz during 2022-23.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who were treated in medical centers in Shiraz during 2022-23. A questionnaire gathering demographic information about the patients, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive indicators and the independent t-test, ANOVA (Tukey’s post-hoc test), Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear regression at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS version 25 statistical software.

The mean score of mental health of the patients was 52.91 (±12.40) and the mean scores in the different domains of social support were 19.04 (±4.96) for family, 9.60 (±2.89) for community, and 12.60 (±2.88) for friends, and the total score of social support was 41. 4 (±24.92). A significant relationship was observed between the patients’ mental health domains and perceived social support and their demographic characteristics.

The results of the study suggest that oral cancer can affect the mental health of patients in various ways, some of which manifest themselves in the form of somatization, anxiety, depression, as well as impaired social functioning. The provision of appropriate support from the patients' families, friends and the community can play a major role in improving the mental health of these patients.

This study aimed to explore the behavioral challenges and attachment issues faced by adopted children in Iranian adoptive families, examine how adoptive parents respond to these challenges, and investigate the parents' perceptions of attachment. The study thought to offer practical recommendations for improving support systems in post-adoption care.

A qualitative, phenomenological approach was employed, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to understand the lived experiences of four adoptive mothers in Iran. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed with the assistance of PYTHON and MAXQDA software to identify recurring themes related to behavioral challenges, parental responses, and attachment perceptions.

The research revealed that adopted children in Iran frequently face significant behavioral challenges, including attachment disorders, emotional regulation difficulties, and developmental delays, often linked to early trauma and inconsistent caregiving. Adoptive parents employ various coping strategies such as creating structured environments, seeking professional guidance, and relying on emotional support from their social networks. However, many parents struggle to form secure attachments due to societal stigma, secrecy surrounding adoption, and feelings of inadequacy.

This study highlighted the prevalence of behavioral challenges and attachment issues among adopted children in Iranian families, emphasizing the need for enhanced support systems, including counseling services and educational resources for adoptive families. It also calls for public awareness initiatives and policy reforms to address the psychological and emotional well-being of both adoptees and their families in Iran.

Considering the importance of spiritual health, family satisfaction, and family cohesion in maintaining the overall health of older people and the favorable results it has for older people, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between spiritual health and family satisfaction and family cohesion among older people living in Gonabad City, Iran. 

The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional research conducted on 200 older people living in Gonabad in 2023. The research units were selected and included in the study using the cluster sampling method. The data were collected using the spiritual health questionnaires of Ajam et al. and the family cohesion and flexibility scale (FACES-IV). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 and the Spearman correlation test.

The Mean±SD values of spiritual health (92.48±6.89), family cohesion (31.57±3.35), and family satisfaction (40.38±7.29) showed that spiritual health is directly correlated with family cohesion (r=0.52) (P<0.001) and family satisfaction (r=0.57) (P<0.001).

According to the present study's findings, spiritual health is significantly related to family satisfaction and family cohesion, which means that older people with a high level of spiritual health have higher family satisfaction and cohesion. Therefore, it is suggested that those in charge take the necessary plans and measures to strengthen and improve the spiritual health of older people to increase family satisfaction and cohesion.

The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a threatening and potentially traumatic event, causing psychological problems among communities. So far, few studies have evaluated the psychological impact of COVID-19-related deaths on the mental health of bereaved people. This study aimed to assess the mental health of individuals who lost a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sanandaj, Iran.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the family members of the deceased confirmed COVID-19 patients living in Sanandaj, Iran, in 2020 – 2021. A total of 405 participants completed the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) anonymously after obtaining informed consent and entered the study.

The mean age of the participants was 39.87 ± 8.31 years. Most participants (76.8%) reported only mild to moderate symptoms, whereas 5.4% indicated severe symptoms, and 17.8% reported no mental health difficulties. The depression dimension was more prevalent in the mothers, daughters, and sisters of the deceased, and the percentage of disorder in the obsessive-compulsive and paranoid ideation dimensions was more prevalent in women and unemployed people, respectively.

According to our results, COVID-19-related death negatively affected the mental health of a relative. Given the pandemic's possible long-term mental health effects, planning to improve mental health in vulnerable groups should be considered for the post-COVID-19 era.

Being informed about cancer is worrying for anyone and causes changes in the health and quality of life (QoL) of the affected person. Improving the quality of life in patients with chronic diseases such as cancer has been one of the important points, especially in the last two decades. Spiritual therapy is a valuable care to improve the quality of life and mental health of cancer patients. However, there are still differences regarding the effect of different types of spirituality- and religion-based treatments on the results of studies. This study aimed to systematically review the results of studies related to the effect of spiritual/religious interventions on improving the mental health and QoL of patients with cancer in Iran.

This study was conducted by systematic review and meta-analysis methods. An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, and SID from 2001 to September 2023. Characteristics of the included interventions and data for meta-analysis were extracted. The quality of the included study was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. The standardized mean difference effect was calculated using a random effects model with 95% confidence. Data was analyzed using RewMan-5 software.

In the first phase of the search, 713 articles were identified. Nineteen studies met the eligibility criteria. Spiritual and religious interventions were compared with a usual care control group or other psychosocial interventions. Compared to the control group, the standardized mean difference in the post-test for the effect of spiritual and religious interventions on mental health (SMD = 1.60, 95% CI = [2.67, 0.54]) and QoL (SMD = 1.93, 95% CI = [1.03, 2.83]) was obtained. The percentage of heterogeneity between the results of studies in mental health (95%) and QoL (93%) was high.

The meta-analysis results indicate that spiritual-religious interventions have a significant positive impact on the mental health and QoL of patients with cancer. Oncology nurses, psychologists, counselors and assistants increasingly recognize the significance of the spiritual domain of care. The current study indicates that facilitating awareness and spiritual needs may be a valuable intervention for cancer patients. Thus, the use of spiritual and religious-based interventions is suggested as a good way to improve spiritual and mental health in patients with cancer.