Epidemiological survey of mental disorders in urban regions of Ardabil province (Iran).

For any informed decision making about community-oriented nursing, it is necessary to map out the community regarding the psychological factors. This study is an attempt to estimate the mental disorders' rate among the age group of 15-65 in the urban areas of Ardabil province. A sample of 1430 individuals was selected through random multistage cluster sampling. The instruments employed in this study included Personal Data Questionnaire and the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The findings revealed that, on the whole, 27.83% of the subjects suffer from different mental disorders. The prevalence rate of mental disorders appeared to vary from 13.3% to 44.4% based on the place of residence, and the highest prevalence rate was found to be social dysfunction and anxiety disorders. According to GHQ test, the prevalence rate of social dysfunction, anxiety, somatization and depression disorders were 32%, 22.30%, 20% and 14%, respectively. The study also showed that the prevalence rate of mental disorders was higher among women as compared with men (34.2% vs. 21.1%). The findings of this study is hoped to contribute to community-oriented nursing practice and education.