Prevalence and Risk Factors of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder in the Saudi Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Observational studies (case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional) that reported the prevalence and risk factors of ADHD among Saudis and were published in English were included. In March 2022, a computerized search was conducted on Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus using keywords associated with ADHD and Saudi Arabia. Two-stage screening and data extraction were performed. The National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional studies was used for the quality assessment. A random-effects model was used to estimate the prevalence. The Comprehensive Meta-analysis program was used for the analysis. Results: Fourteen studies (N = 455,334 patients) were included. The pooled prevalence of ADHD in the Saudi population was 12.4% (95% CI: 5.4%-26%). For ADHD-Inattentive and ADHD-Hyperactive presentations, the prevalence was 2.9% (95% CI: 0.3%-23.3%) and 2.5% (95% CI: 0.2%-20.5%), respectively. Regarding the combined AD and HD, the prevalence was 2.5% (95% CI: 0.2%-20.5%). Children of women with psychological disorders during pregnancy (P = 0.043), insufficient vitamin B during pregnancy (P = 0.006), allergic reactions (P = 0.032), and disabling symptoms of muscle pain during pregnancy (P = 0.045) were associated with an increased risk of ADHD. Conclusions: The prevalence of ADHD in the Saudi population is comparable with that in other countries from the Middle East and North Africa region. Careful monitoring of pregnant women, attention to nutritional sufficiency, psychological and emotional support, and avoidance of stressful events may lead to reducing the incidence of ADHD in the offspring. Funding: None. Registration: PROSPERO (Ref no.: CRD42023390040).

Depression among physicians and other medical employees involved in the COVID-19 outbreak: A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT: Health care employees are the front liners whom are directly involved in the management of COVID-19 at high risk of developing psychological distress and other mental health illness. We aim to assess the burden of depression during this pandemic on health care employees treating COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. We also will shed the light on the best solutions of how to encounter depression.A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey conducted via a region-stratified, 2-stage cluster sample was conducted for 554 participants in >15 hospitals from April 29, 2020, to June 30, 2020. Depression is measured using the established PHQ9 score system. We grade PHQ9 depression scores as: normal, 0 to 4, mild, 5 to 9, significant (moderate or severe), 10 to 27. χ2/Fisher exact test was used; significant association between level of depression and survey characteristics were made. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.A total of 554 participants completed the survey. A total of 18.9% (n = 105) were aged <29 years, 51.2% (n = 284) were between 30 to 39 years and female represent 70% of all participants. Of all participants, 53.7% (n = 298) were nurses, and 38.6% (n = 214) were physicians; 68.5% (n = 380) worked in central area hospitals in Saudi Arabia. No significant (P = .432, 95% confidence interval [CI]) association was observed between sex and depression classifications. However, female had high proportion of significant depression 75.0% (n = 76) was observed as compared to male 24.8% (n = 25). Depression was significant in Saudis 61.4% (n = 62) (P < .001, 95% CI) and medical staff who encountered corona patients 51.5% (n = 52) (P < .002, 95% CI). Hospital preparedness associated with more freedom of depression symptoms 69.1% (n = 199/288) (P < .001, 95% CI).Frontline young health care workers especially physician in Saudi Arabia reported a high rate of depression symptoms. Countermeasures for health care workers represent a key component for the mental and physical well-being as part of public health measures during this pandemic. Attention to hospital preparedness and adequacy of personal protective equipment contributed to milder depression symptoms. Further studies need to be conducted on crisis management and depression.