Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand Vol 92, No 12:DECEMBER 2009 (SUPPL.7) 0125-2208 92 12 2009 Dec Mental Health Status among Thai Hospital Nurses 83 EN Orawan Kaewboonchoo Tipagorn Saipech Pimsupa Chandanasotthi Sara Arporn Original Article To examine the prevalence of mental health disorder and its related factors among Thai nurses. This was cross-sectional descriptive study of 390 female nurses. They were asked tocomplete the questionnaire which covered personal history, working conditions, job stress and general health.Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for mental health disorders. Results revealed that 10.3 % of the nurses had poor mental health and 41.8%, had high job stress. Thefactors significantly associated with poor mental health were years employed, job stress, tranquilizer use andintent to leave the profession. Nurses who had high job stress and more than 20 years work experience were more likely to havepoor mental health. Reduction of job stress especially in senior nurses significantly promotes mental healthand may decrease prevalence of intent to leave the profession and tranquilizer use. Job stress Mental health Nurse