The Relationship of Mental Health and Suicidal Ideation with Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Dimensions among Students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2014-2015

Aim and 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 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.