Relationship with Emotional Intelligence and General Health among Male Smoker Staff in Urmia University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: One of the important factors in determining success in life is emotional intelligence. It could be considered as a protective factor against health threatening behaviors, including smoking. Considering the effect of emotional intelligence on the health of people and the amount of smoking in smokers, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and general health in the male smokers. Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, 350 male smokers who were working in Uremia University of Medical Sciences were recruited, using convenience sampling. The instruments used in this study were demographic information questionnaires, Cyberia Shrink standard questionnaire, and 28-Question General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Results: The mean score (SD) of emotional intelligence and the mean score (SD) of general health were 110.26 (16.24) and 23. 60 (13.27), respectively. There was a significant negative relationship between emotional intelligence and general health scores. Conclusion: Individuals with higher emotional intelligence scores had a better physical and mental health status. Therefore, teaching emotional intelligence can increase physical and mental health of the individuals through reducing risky behaviors.