RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety among adolescents require further attention as they have profound harmful implications on several aspects of adolescents' wellbeing and can be associated with life threatening risk behaviors such as suicide. OBJECTIVE: To examine the underlying risk factors for feeling so sad or hopeless and for feeling worried among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Data from Jeeluna® national survey was used. A cross-sectional, multi-stage, stratified, cluster random sampling technique was applied among a sample of students aged 10-19 years attending intermediate and secondary schools in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire assessing several domains, including feeling so sad or hopeless and worried, was used to collect data. Logistic regression models were fitted to determine the different factors associated with mental health. RESULTS: A sample of 12,121 students was included in this study. Feeling so sad or hopeless and feeling worried were significantly more prevalent among females and older adolescents (p < 0.0001). The results showed that poor relationship with parents, negative body image, and chronic illness to be significantly associated with feeling so sad or hopeless and worried. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms suggestive of mental health problems among adolescents in Saudi Arabia are prevalent and deserve special attention. Adopting effective strategies, including regular screening and intervention programs are highly needed to better address, detect, and control early signs of these problems.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bullying and physical violence are serious public health concerns witnessed during adolescence and are associated with several health and behavioral problems that can persist into adulthood. The relationship between bullying/physical violence and mental health/academic performance in Saudi Arabia is unknown. This study aims at filling this gap through identifying the association of these health risk behaviors and mental health and academic performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional national survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 2011 and 2012. Adolescents attending intermediate and secondary schools were invited to participate through a multi-stage, stratified, cluster random sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests to identify associations, and odds ratios were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 9073 students participated. Twenty-six percent of adolescents reported exposure to bullying in the preceding 30 days, and one out of every three adolescents reported exposure to physical violence at school during the past year. More males than females, and more older adolescents were exposed to bullying. Exposure to physical violence and bullying were both associated with higher odds of having more frequent symptoms of depression and anxiety. Those exposed to physical violence were at higher odds of having poorer academic performance. CONCLUSION: Bullying and physical violence among adolescent students in Saudi Arabia is prevalent and deserves special attention due to its harmful impact on the other aspects of students' wellbeing.
