Investigating the General Health Status of Kerman Citizens and Some Related Factors

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the general health status of Kerman citizens and some related factors. Methodology: This cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study was conducted in autumn of ۲۰۱۶. The statistical population included all citizens over ۱۸ years old in Kerman. Using multistage sampling method, ۴۰۰ individuals were selected as the sample. The utilized instruments were Goldberg General Health Scale (GHQ-۲۸) and a questionnaire containing demographic, background, and social class information. Data were analyzed using SPSS-۲۳ software as well as descriptive statistics, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the respondents' general health score was ۲۸.۶۶±۱۲ ۱۲.۸۳. Most respondents (۶۳.۷%) had some degree of physical and mental problems and thus were not in good general health status, of which ۴۸.۵% had mild symptoms, ۱۲.۲% had moderate symptoms, and ۳% had severe symptoms. Moreover, men had higher general health than women (P=۰.۰۱۱). However, there was no significant relation between general health and age (p=۰.۴۲۴), marital status (p=۰.۲۱۱), area of residence (p=۰.۳۰۰), and social class (P=۰.۱۸۳). Conclusion: More than half of the respondents had some degree of physical and mental problems and were not in good general health status. It is recommended that periodic screening as well as providing necessary training and consulting services be emphasized in order to improve the general health of citizens.