Mental illness in immigrants in eastern Saudi Arabia: social indices

ABSTRACT

This is a preliminary study of social factors related to mental illness among 70 immigrants compared with 70 Saudi Patients admitted to the Psychiatric Unit at King Fiasal Hospital [KFHU]. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in relation to marital status, split families, education, nature of jobs income and duration of stay in the Saudi Kingdom. More immigrants were married but only a minority shared living with their families. Almost half of the immigrants had high education, nevertheless the average income was low and manual jobs were frequent even among the better educated. Contrary to reports from abroad age group, language and religion differences did not seem to be relevant, as differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. Further studies are needed to elucidate the magnitude of these social factors in the development of mental illness among immigrants