Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Educational programs for promotion of mental health in marital life are necessary.  Ignorance of target group needs diminishes effectiveness of efforts in educational programs. This research aimed to report and compare mental health educational needs before and after marriage.

Methods: In a cohort study in 2011, by random stratified sampling 450 males and females were selected. These were participated in pre-marital counseling in Hasheminezhad center in Tehran. A researched-made questionnaire was used to measure rate of mental health educational needs with 5 degree-Likert scale before and six months after marriage. Data were analyzed by Independent t-test, paired t-test and Prioritization was done by calculating mean rank. A P-value less than 0.05 have been considered as significant different.

Results: “How to keep romance alive in marital life” topics was the first priority in both before and after marriage. Rates of mental health educational needs in both stages were more than average (3 degree). After marriage rate of needs was increased but it was not significant. Women in both stages report more rate of educational needs than men but this difference wasn’t significant.

Conclusion: Designing mental health promotion educational programs based on people needs are necessary and these programs should be performed in different stages of life.