Objective:To evaluate mental health of sailors by the Syptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). Methods: A total of 335 sailors were administered the SCL-90 . The results were compared with Chinese norms for the army and general population. Results: The SCL-90 total score of sailors was 125.35 ±35.12. The number of endorsed positive symptom items and the mean score of positive symptom items were 24.56±17.88 and 2.44±0.38, respectively. The total score, the mean factor score, the positive symptom score and overall endorsement for positive symptoms were significantly lower when compared with the Chinese norms for the army (P<0.001). The mental health status of sailors was significan tly better than that of the general population. Conclusion: The reremains significant need for strengthening mental heath education for promoting mental health of sailors.

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