Mental health status of military nurses

Aims. Nurse's health as caregivers influences the quality of care received by patients. The purpose of the present study was assessment of some aspects of mental health status among of military nurses. Methods. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out on 272 military nurses. Subjects were selected using probable multistage sampling. Data was collected using demographic characteristics questionnaire and general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) by likert scoring method. The cutoff point of total score was set as 23. Results. A significant number of nurses were symptomatic. These disorders were more common among females than males. Similarly, the mean of social dysfunctions were higher than other types of mental disorders. There was significant correlation between mental health and variables of job history, overtime work and marital status and sex. Conclusion. The study of mental health conditions of military nurses could provide valuable information in the field of preventing planning in different levels, continuing education, periodic examinations, treatment and prevention before the outbreak of mental disorders. This information is useful for planners and managers of the health system.