The associations between lying with Physical and Mental health statute students at University of Shahrekord, Iran

Abstract

Background: Lying is a common phenomenon and one of the causes of insecurity in social relations. Considering the importance of this behavior in creating insecure relations in society, this study aimed to investigate the associations between lying with physical and mental health statute of university students. Methods: This cross-sectional (descriptive-analytic) study investigated 651 students at various universities in Shahrekord, Iran. The data collection tool was a questionnaire consisting of three parts: demographic characteristics, general health questionnaire, and a researcher-made questionnaire of lying, completed by students. Data were analyzed using central tendency and distribution indices. Results: Results showed that a significant relationship between sex with physical diseases, and social functioning with depression (p=0.0001). Also, there was a statistically significant relationship between personal and social lies with physical health, anxiety and depression (p=0.0001), and between family income levels and personal-familial lies. In addition, data analyses indicated that a significant difference between personal and social lies with gender (p=0.0001), but no significant difference with age categories. Conclusion: In nutshell, it is recommended that more attention be paid to the phenomenon of lying, in order to use these results in better management of anxiety and depressive disorders, and their harmful effects on the health system and economics of the country. This issue requires further attention and study.