ABSTRACT
AimsThe emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic, with a high transmission and mortality rate, has created an extraordinary crisis worldwide. Such an unusual situation may have an undesirable impact on the mental health of individuals which, in turn, may influence their outcomes. This study aimed to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological disposition of residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MethodsA cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 27 March and 27 April 2020. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to assess depression and anxiety. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of these. ResultsA total of 2,081 individuals participated in the study. The prevalence of depression and anxiety among the study participants was 9.4% and 7.3%, respectively. Non-Saudi residents, individuals aged 50 years and above, divorced people, retired people, university students, and those with an income between 2,000 and 10,000 SR were at higher risk of developing depression. Saudi individuals, married people, the unemployed, and those with a high income (> 10,000 RS) were at higher risk of developing anxiety. ConclusionWe found that there is a wide range of Saudi residents who are at higher risk of developing mental illness during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers and mental healthcare providers are advised to provide continuous monitoring of the psychological consequences during this pandemic and provide the required health support. What is already known about this subject?- The emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic, with a high transmission and mortality rate, has created an extraordinary crisis worldwide. - The COVID-19 pandemic might have an undesirable impact on the mental health of individuals. What does this article add?- Depression and anxiety are common among the Saudi population. - A considerable proportion of the Saudi population is concerned about contracting COVID-19 or transmitting it to family members. - Unemployed individuals and university students are at higher risk of depression and anxiety.
ABSTRACT
BackgroundThe emergence of COVID-19 globally coupled with its unknown aetiology and its high transmission rate has created an unprecedented state of emergency worldwide. Public knowledge and awareness about COVID-19 are essential in suppressing its pandemic status. MethodA cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted between 19th of March and 6th of April 2020 in three Middle Eastern countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait) to explore the knowledge and practices of Middle Eastern population towards COVID-19. A previously developed questionnaire was used. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of COVID-19 knowledge. ResultsA total of 1,208 participants were involved in this study from the three countries (Jordan = 389, Saudi Arabia = 433, and Kuwait = 386). The majority of participants (n = 810, 67.2%) were females and aged 30 to 49 years (n = 501, 41.5%). Participants had moderate overall COVID-19 knowledge with a mean score of 7.93 ({+/-}1.72) out of 12, 66.1%. Participants had better knowledge about disease prevention and control with 83.0%, whereas the lowest sub-scale scores were for questions about disease transmission routes (43.3%). High education level was an important predictor of greater COVID-19 knowledge scores (p<0.01). ConclusionMiddle Eastern participants are of a relatively low level of knowledge about COVID-19, particularly regarding its transmission routes. Policymakers are recommended to develop informative COVID-19 related campaigns targeted specifically towards university students, unemployed individuals and those with lower levels of education.
