The Effects of Corona Virus (COVID-19) Outbreak on the Individuals’ Mental Health and on the Decision Makers: A Comparative Epidemiological Study

ABSTRACT

Background: The results of epidemiological studies help in developing protective and treatment plans for community members, and identifying the psychological support services that individuals need to reduce the negative effects of these stressful conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the effect of the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19 on the mental health of individuals. A survey descriptive design was used in this study to detect the level of psychological problems and to determine the differences in psychological problems due to nationality, age, sex, social status, learning level, and income. Method: A random sample consists of 5611(3423 Egyptians and 2188 Saudis) participants was chosen, their ages ranged between (16 to more than 50) year. The study sample was divided into sub-groups according to nationality, age, sex, social status, learning level, income level. The researchers in this study prepared psychological problems symptoms inventory that has been applied online to the sample. Results: The findings indicated that the increased prevalence of COVID -19 has a negative effect on the mental health of individuals, as the level of psychological problems were increased, and the results also found differences in the prevalence of psychological problems symptoms due to demographic variables. Conclusion: The study results emphasized the importance of prevention and treatment of psychological problems symptoms caused by the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19. As well as, these findings stressed on the role of counseling and therapy via the internet as well as, cross-cultural counseling and treatment.