Evaluation of Mental health and its Association with Academic Progress in Students of Medical School of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences

Background: Medical students frequently encounter significant stress due to their substantial workload, clinical obligations, and the competitive nature of their environment, all of which can adversely affect their mental health and academic performance.This study aims to examine the mental health status of medical students at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences and its association with their academic performance.Methods: For this purpose, 222 medical students were randomly selected from a list of students and their high school or last semester GPAs, and assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-28 on four dimensions: physical symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression.Statistical analyses including t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation, were performed using SPSS software. Results:The results showed a negative correlation between physical complaints (r=-0.12,P=0.04), anxiety (r=-0.18,P=0.01), and depression (r=-0.22,P=0.01) with academic progress.While, social functioning had a positive correlation with academic achievement.(r=0.23 and P=0.01).37% of students scored above the cutoff, indicating potential mental health issues.Conclusion: Mental health significantly impacts the academic achievement of medical students; anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints lead to academic decline, whereas favorable social functioning enhances academic performance.Given the 37% prevalence of potential mental health problems, implementing screening and supportive intervention programs in universities is essential.