OBJECTIVETo understand physical and mental health status of middle-aged intellectuals and related risk factors on mental health under the present social conditions.

METHODSStratified-cluster sampling and questionnaire survey were used. One thousand five hundred and three middle-aged intellectuals were investigated by SCL-90 test and influential reasons, using general relative risk model. Effects and interaction modes of risk factors were analyzed.

RESULTSThe prevalence rate of middle-aged intellectuals was 241.5 per thousand per two weeks, while the prevalence rate of chronic disease was 306.7 per thousand. 6.9% of the middle-aged intellectuals (male 6.1%, female 7.8%) had mental health problems. Results suggested that the major risk factors were, as listed in a order of their effects on mental health disorders: divorced or losing spouse, exposure to poison and noisiness, lack of hobbies, long working hours, having chronic diseases.

CONCLUSIONPhysical and mental health status of middle-aged intellectuals were under by many kinds of pressures. Multiple measures should be taken to improve the health status of the middle-aged intellectuals.