Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences Epidemiology and Health System Journal 2980-7891 13 1 2026 06 29 Suboptimal Health Status and Associated Factors Among Administrative Staff in Educational Hospitals in Shahrekord, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study 45 52 10.34172/ehsj.26590 EN Mohammad Yazdan Panah https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9112-9544 Masoumeh Alidosti https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6682-1782 Elahe Tavassoli https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0839-2040 Alizamen Salehifard Jouneghani https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6572-9394 Journal Article 10.34172/ehsj.26590 2025 09 08 2026 02 21 Introduction: Suboptimal health status (SHS) is characterized by decreased vitality and functional capacity in the absence of a definitive clinical diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate SHS and its determinants among administrative staff in two educational hospitals in Shahrekord, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2024 and 2025 on 200 administrative and employees in Shahrekord, Iran, selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic and occupational characteristic checklist and the validated Persian version of the SHS Questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25). Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and SHS scores. Independent t-tests and chi-square tests were employed to compare variables between hospitals. Finally, Pearson correlation and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify SHS-associated factors. Results: The mean total SHSQ-25 score was 52.1±14.1, with no significant difference between the hospitals (P=0.83). Female gender was independently associated with higher total SHS scores (β=5.97, P=0.006), as were longer average daily working hours (β=0.46, P<0.001). Moreover, fatigue scores were significantly related to female gender, years of service, and daily working hours. Cardiovascular and digestive complaints were also linked to lower educational attainments and longer working hours. Ultimately, higher immune system scores were observed among older participants, those with lower education, and individuals working evening or night shifts. Conclusion: SHS was prevalent among hospital administrative staff. It was associated with gender, workload, educational level, age, and shift work, indicating a need for targeted occupational health measures to improve working conditions while reducing suboptimal health.