The present study was carried out to compare the general health status of athlete and non-athlete students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. The study was a cross- sectional field survey in which a total of 351 students (203 non-athletes, 74 team athletes and 74 solo athletes) were studied. It was tried to select students from those who had been selected for participation or had already participated in student competitions. Data were collected through standard General Health Questionnaire containing four subscales of anxiety and insomnia, somatic symptoms, social dysfunction and severe depression. A complementary part for recording demographic features such as sex, age and field of study was added to the beginning of the questionnaire as well. Body weight and length were measured by health-O-meter scale (Germany). Data were analyzed through SPSS16. There was significant difference between athlete and non-athlete students in regard to the general health status (p<0.003, Z=-2.998) and subscales of somatic symptoms (p<0.024, Z=-2.251), anxiety and insomnia (p<0.000, Z=-4.134), social dysfunction (p<0.001, Z=-3.255) and severe depression (p<0.021, Z=-2.861). There was also significant difference between athletes and non-athletes in regard to Body Mass Index (p<0.014, Z=-2.248). Team and solo athletes showed significant difference in general health status (p<0.019, Z=-2.346). In athlete students, there was no significant relationship between general health status and age (p<0.369, R=-0.076), while in non-athlete students this relationship was significant (p<0.004, R=2.212). Considering the obtained results, encouraging students for doing exercise can improve their general health and physical statues, sleep quality, social function, mental health and body mass index.
