Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of mental disorders among individuals between 15 and 29 years of age in the Markazi province (in Iran). Method: In a cross-sectional descriptive study, 1800 individuals (907 males and 893 females) were selected using proportional stratified sampling from 10 cities in the Markazi province (Iran). The subjects were examined using Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and Tukey follow-up test. Results: 21.3% of subjects (26.7% of females and 16.0% of males) were suffering from at least one mental disorder. Being a female (p<0.01) and being married (p<0.01) were significantly associated with the prevalence of most mental disorders. The total coefficient score of disorder criteria was higher in unemployed compared to employed individuals, and in individuals who had been separated from their parents compared to the ones living with both parents. Conclusion: Mental disorders are prevalent among youngsters in Markazi province.