Correlation Status of Mindfulness with Depression, Anxiety, and Related Factors in Students of Khalkhal Faculty of Medical Sciences

Background & objectives: Mindfulness, a psychological concept involving an individual's ability to focus on current experiences and regulate them, plays a crucial role in mental health.Depression and anxiety are prevalent issues among students, affecting their academic and psychological performance.Given the significance of mindfulness and its impact, this study aims to explore the correlation between mindfulness, depression, anxiety, and demographic factors in students at the Khalkhal Faculty of Medical Sciences.Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study involved 106 students from Khalkhal School of Medical Sciences.The research instrument was a four-part questionnaire covering demographic information, anthropometry, Beck's depression, Beck's anxiety, and five facets of mindfulness.Data were analyzed using Pearson's statistical tests and regression analysis. Results:The study found that 1.9% of students were severely depressed, and 22.6% were severely anxious.There was a significant inverse relationship between depression scores and mindfulness (p=0.001) and a significant relationship between anxiety and mindfulness (p=0.0001).The multiple linear regression model indicated that anxiety and depression could predict changes in the average mindfulness score (R=38.45). Conclusion:The findings suggest that mindfulness is significantly related to depression and anxiety, with an inverse relationship between overall anxiety scores and mindfulness.Therefore, emphasizing mindfulness is vital for health.