The Relationship between Mental Health, Employment and Having Higher Education among Female Students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Women's worldwide tendency toward higher education has been controversial in recent decades and Iran is not an exception in this regard. On the other hand, the education level could be related to women's mental health. Hence, this study was performed to determine this relationship and elucidate the query if the mental health enhances along with enhancement of educational level. Methods: In this descriptive-correlative study in August 2008 in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 120 female students were selected through random sampling method. Data gathering tool was standard questionnaire of Goldberg for public health (Goldberg Health Questionnaire) and demographic data form for respondents. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: A significant statistical difference was observed between mean of mental health of Master degree students compared to that of Bachelor and PhD students i.e. among the total study population, Master degree students had a higher level of mental health. In other words, there was a significant relationship between mental health of female students and their educational level. Similarly, a significant difference was observed between their mental health condition and factors such as occupational status (being employed or unemployed) and marital status (P<0.05). In other words employed women compared to unemployed and married women compared to single women enjoyed higher level of mental health. Conclusion: Educated women's mental health could be related to their getting married or employed. Therefore, dissemination of an appropriate marriage culture among woman who follow higher education, appropriate application of their abilities, and their assignment into right occupations are essential factors determining their mental health. More studies are needed to explore the association between reduction of mental health and continuing education in PhD level.