Correlation between Body Composition and Body Mass Index with Mental Health and Sleepiness in Chemically Injured Veterans: A Cross-sectional Study

Aims: Chemically injured veterans are very vulnerable because of their special situation, and they may confront numerous difficulties. Body composition is one of the effective factors in mental health in adults. So, this study aimed to survey the correlation between body composition and body mass index with mental health and sleepiness in chemically injured veterans. Instruments Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on chemical veterans referred to the rheumatology ward in Karaj province. 131 patients were selected through the available sampling method. The body composition and body mass index of veterans were determined, and General Health Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were answered. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient by SPSS 19 software. Findings: There was a significant correlation between body fat percent and fat mass with total general health (p=0.004). The correlation between body composition and sleepiness was not significant (p 0.05). There was no significant correlation between body mass index with mental health and sleepiness (p 0.05). Conclusion: Body composition, particularly fat percent and fat mass, is associated with general health in chemically injured veterans.