The Mental Health Condition of 12-17-Year-Old Girl Students in Aran-Bidgol City, Iran, during COVID-19 Pandemic

Fear and stress caused by COVID-19 increases the feeling of insecurity in children and adolescents, and if not taken timely action, will cause serious mental health problems in them. The aim of this study was to determine the mental health status of girls aged 12-17 years in Aran-Bidgol City, Iran, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: 

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 390 girl students of Aran-Bidgol in 2020-21. Data collection tools were demographic/family information checklist and of child health questionnaire (CHQ), spiritual health, social support, and measuring the long-term effects of the accident on children's mental health, which were completed electronically. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with independent t, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression tests with a significance level of 0.05.

65.10% of girls received a score of 25-50 from the Mental Health Questionnaire, which indicated a mild mental health problem. 34.40% got a score of 50-75 and none of them got a score above 75. The regression model showed that two patterns of family communication (dialogue and compliance) and girls' existential health predicted the girls' mental health score (P < 0.05).

The results showed that the patterns of family communication and existential health in adolescents had effect on adolescents' mental health; so it is suggested to identify the best regulatory model and family function with an emphasis on existential health, to improve their mental health by gaining the ability to positive valuation.