Prevalence of poor mental health and its socioeconomic correlates in Kurdish population

Context: Poor mental health (PMH) is an important public health issue and affects various aspects of individuals’ lives. Aims: In this study, we examine the prevalence of PMH and its socioeconomic correlates in the Kurdish population. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study investigated 2010 individuals aged 35–70 years of recruitment phase of Dehgolan prospective cohort study. Materials and Methods: We employed systematic random cluster sampling to select participants. Mental health across four domains, including psychosomatic, anxiety, depression, and social function, was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-28. Demographic and socioeconomic information were also collected. Statistical Analysis Used: Logistic regression was used to examine associations between variables and PMH. Results: The study findings revealed a PMH prevalence of 29% among the participants. Social dysfunction exhibited the highest prevalence (65.92%), followed by anxiety (29.60%), psychosomatic disorders (24.43%), and depression (11.84%). Odds ratios for females (3.12), 46–60 years’ age group (1.31), singles (1.67), and those with lower education (1.82) and lower economic status (1.37) were significantly associated with PMH. Current smoking and alcohol consumption were associated with increased risk of PMH. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant prevalence of PMH in the population and its association with socioeconomic factors. Low education, low socioeconomic status, smoking, and alcohol consumption were correlated with PMH. Efforts should focus on improving socioeconomic conditions, health promotion, and ensuring access to mental healthcare services, especially for vulnerable groups.