Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
2
Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
3
Department of Public Health, School of Health, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
10.22034/sumsj.2026.583967.1114
Abstract
Introduction: Medical students are exposed to psychological stress and high academic pressure, which may negatively affect their mental health. Mindful self-care is considered an effective approach to improving mental health, reducing stress, and enhancing resilience. The present study aimed to investigate the status of mindful self-care and its associated factors among medical students at Fasa University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2026 on 230 medical students at Fasa University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Persian version of the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS). The MSCS assesses four dimensions: resilience, supportive relationships, self-care, and purposefulness. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis.
Results: The mean total score of mindful self-care was 76.80±9.00, which was below the instrument’s cutoff point. Among the subscales, resilience had the highest mean score. Significant positive correlations were found between resilience and self-care (r=0.408), purposefulness (r=0.300), and supportive relationships (r=0.555) (P<0.001). Regression analysis showed that supportive relationships were the strongest predictor of resilience (β=0.456, P<0.001). Additionally, self-care and purposefulness also had significant positive effects on resilience.
Conclusion: Medical students demonstrated a moderate level of mindful self-care. Supportive relationships, self-care, and purposefulness played important roles in enhancing resilience. Therefore, implementing mindfulness-based educational programs and providing psychosocial support are recommended to improve the mental health of medical students.
Keyword: Mindful self-care; resilience; supportive relationships; purposefulness; medical students.
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