The Study of Psychosocial Health of Women Working in Isfahan University of Medical: Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, According to Their Marital Status and Headship of Household; [دراسة الصحة النفسية والاجتماعية للنساء العاملات في جامعة أصفهان للعلوم الطبية (أصفهان، إيران) وفقاً لحالتهن الاجتماعية وكونهن ربّات أسر.] Publisher

Summary: Does marital status predict women's well-being at work? A university study found no clear group difference, but low security and satisfaction warranted attention. #MentalHealth #WomenHealth

Samouei R ; Meshkineh N ; Samouei S
Source: Journal of Health System Research Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Today, living conditions are such that more women experience a wide range of marital status, including remaining single or being the head of the household. Due to the addition of tasks related to these roles to women's traditional duties and the pressures imposed, their mental health, and subsequently their social health, are subject to change. In this regard, the present study aimed to compare the psychosocial health of women according to their marital status and headship of household. Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted on 267 women working at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, through a non-probability approach using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Keyes Social Health Questionnaire, and a self-made questionnaire to measure individual and social characteristics by visiting the sample units at their workplaces in person and soliciting cooperation. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation coefficient at the 0.05 level. Findings: The level of problems in the general health of female employees of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences was reported as mild (26.57 ± 13.45), and their social health was reported as adequate (96.97 ± 16.27). No significant difference was observed between the mental health and social health of female employees of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, based on their marital status and family headship status (P > 0.05). However, there was a positive and significant relationship between the mental health and social health of female employees of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, and security and satisfaction with their marital and headship status (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Although the psychosocial health of female university employees in this study did not differ based on their marital and headship status, the satisfaction and security reported were below average, which is an important warning for the need to pay attention to this aspect of women's lives. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.