Evaluation of Demographic Factors Related to Psychological Distress in Military Personnel of Razavi Khorasan province, Iran

Psychological distress is one of the psychological problems that is related to a wide range of mental disorders. Considering the role of military personnel in creating social security, paying attention to their mental health has particular importance. In this study, the prevalence of psychological distress in the military personnel of Razavi Khorasan province, Iran was estimated and demographic factors related to it were identified.

In this cross-sectional study, military personnel who referred to the health centers of Mashhad city in the first half of 2019 were examined. Data was collected using the demographic checklist and Kessler's standard scale of psychological distress (K-6) from the SINA system of health centers in Razavi Khorasan province, Iran. The total score of 10 and more in the K6 questionnaire was considered as the cut-off point. The K6 questionnaire evaluates people's feelings in 6 areas: discomfort, restlessness, nervousness, helplessness, hopelessness, sense of worthlessness in the last month

Out of 4488 military personnel, 98.7% were men, 51.7% were married, and 44.5% had a diploma. The mean psychological distress score was 3.39±4.45 out of 24 and the prevalence of psychological distress was 12.6%. Gender (p=0.024), education level (p<0.001) and place of residence (p=0.001) were associated with the prevalence of distress. The prevalence of psychological distress was higher in women, singles, military personnel with less than a diploma, and residents of cities between 50 and 500 thousand people.

The prevalence of psychological distress was estimated to be moderate in comparison with the studies conducted in other countries. Senior military managers can prevent the occurrence of more serious mental disorders as well as the creation of problems in their subordinate organizations with proper planning in the direction of screening patients.