Quantitative Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Psychological Problems among Dormitory-Resident Students in Iran: An Update of Studies from 2011 to 2025 with Moderator Analysis of Gender and Educational Level
Keywords:
Meta-analysis, Psychological Problems, Student Dormitory, Homesickness, Anxiety, Depression, Iranian StudentsAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of psychological problems, including homesickness, anxiety, depression, and stress, among dormitory-resident students in Iran and to examine the moderating roles of gender and educational level.
Methods and Materials: This quantitative meta-analysis included studies published between 2011 and 2025. A systematic search was conducted in national and international databases, including MagIran, Noormags, Elmnet, SID, Irandoc, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical studies reporting the prevalence of psychological problems among dormitory-resident students using standardized instruments were included. Data were synthesized using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine gender and educational level as moderator variables.
Findings: The pooled prevalence of homesickness was 55.2% with a 95% confidence interval of 48.6% to 61.8%. The pooled prevalence of anxiety was 40.3% with a 95% confidence interval of 34.1% to 46.5%, while depression was estimated at 35.7% with a 95% confidence interval of 29.4% to 42.0%. Stress showed a pooled prevalence of 35.1% with a 95% confidence interval of 28.3% to 41.9%. High heterogeneity was observed across all outcomes. Subgroup analysis indicated that psychological problems were significantly more prevalent among female students than male students. Undergraduate students also showed higher levels of homesickness and anxiety compared with graduate students.
Conclusion: Psychological problems are highly prevalent among dormitory-resident students in Iran, with female and undergraduate students representing particularly vulnerable groups. These findings highlight the need for preventive interventions, gender-sensitive counseling services, and targeted policymaking in university dormitory settings.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Farokhlegha Fathi, Forough Mahigir, Ayatolah Karimi Baghmalek (Author)
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