The Arab COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C-19ASS): COVID-19 anxiety syndrome and psychological symptoms in the Saudi Arabian population

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C-19ASS) is a reliable scale assessing dysfunctional coping strategies activated in response to COVID-19 fear and threat. The present study aimed to provide a validation of the Arabic version of the C-19ASS and to explore the association between the C-19ASS and psychological symptoms syndrome.

METHOD

In Study 1, a community sample of 404 participants completed the Arabic version of the C-19ASS and results were subjected to an exploratory factor analysis. In Study 2, a community sample of 903 participants completed the Arabic version of the C-19ASS and a series of measures assessing depressed mood and anhedonia, generalized anxiety and health anxiety. Internal consistency, construct validity and incremental validity were assessed. Associations between C-19ASS and psychological symptoms were assessed.

RESULTS

Factor analysis identified a two-factor solution (i.e., C-19ASS-Perseveration and C-19ASS-Avoidance), and confirmatory factor analysis suggested a two-factor model best fits the data. The Arabic version of the C-19ASS showed good internal consistency, good construct and incremental validity. COVID-19 anxiety syndrome was associated with more severe anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and health anxiety. Females had higher levels of COVID-19 anxiety syndrome than males. Participants diagnosed with COVID-19, and those who had experienced loss as a consequence of COVID-19, had higher levels of COVID-19 anxiety syndrome (Perseveration).

CONCLUSIONS

The Arabic version of the C-19ASS appears to be a reliable and valid measure of the COVID-19 anxiety syndrome. The COVID-19 anxiety syndrome could be a suitable therapeutic target to improve psychological recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic among Arabs.

Dysmenorrhea and depressive symptoms among female university students: a descriptive study from Saudi Arabia

Background

Dysmenorrhea has significantly increased in prevalence. There is also evidence of the coexistence of dysmenorrhea and psychological disorders. This study aims to explore the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and investigate its correlation with depressive symptoms among Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) students. All participants (N = 487) in this cross-sectional study provided sociodemographic data, menstrual and medical history, and completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale and (working ability, location, intensity, days of pain, dysmenorrhea [WaLIDD]) scale on a self-administered online questionnaire.

Results

The mean age of the females was 20.64 ± 2.38 years, and 40.7% were from health colleges. Severe dysmenorrhea requiring medical attention and pain killers or herbs was reported by 30.8% of the students. Significant predictors of severe dysmenorrhea were: younger age, earlier menarche, pain killers and herbs used for menstrual pain, a doctor visit for menstrual pain, and depression. In addition, significant protective factors of depression were: later menarche age, having a regular menstrual cycle, and longer duration.

Conclusions

Students with severe dysmenorrhea have a higher risk of depression than other students. The findings stress the importance of awareness, education, a multidisciplinary approach to women's health, and early detection to prevent future complications.

Loneliness and Depression Among Female University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2020

Objectives: Quarantine-related loneliness has impacted university students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to evaluate loneliness among female university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the pandemic and to investigate its correlation with depression.

Methods: A sample of 753 female students was collected during the first COVID-19 summer vacation outbreak through a cross-sectional survey that consisted of two parts: 1) Sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19 related questions; 2) The eight-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results: Most participants were between 18 and 22 years old (75.2%) and were studying at humanities college (61.50%). Loneliness and depression were reported among 63.3% and 41.1% of female students, respectively, and the correlation between them was significantly positive (beta = 0.419, p < 0.001). Having a previous history of a psychiatric condition and families with insufficient monthly income were the main associated factors with high levels of loneliness and depression.

Conclusion: Female university students experienced loneliness and depression under quarantine during the first COVID-19 summer vacation outbreak. Psychosocial intervention for the vulnerable groups is essential, as are longitudinal studies.

The Use of Dietary Supplements for Mental Health Among the Saudi Population

Introduction

Despite the limited evidence about the efficacy and safety of dietary supplement use for mental health, people tend to use them quite often. Generally the use of supplements among Saudi population shown to be prevalent, although limited studies that assessed their use for the improvement of mental health.

Objectives

Identify the prevalence of dietary supplements use for mental health among the population in Saudi Arabia and also determine the factors that affect the use of dietary health supplements for mental health.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 443 participants from various regions in Saudi Arabia. Questionnaire includes demographics, dietary use supplement assessment, and mental health assessment via the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire (GAD-7), and insomnia severity index (ISI).

Results

The prevalence of DS among the Saudi population reached 44%. Vitamin D and Melatonin were the most commonly reported DS used for mental health among the study population. The use of DS was associated with three times higher odds in patients who had previous mental health disorder diagnoses (OR 2.972; 95%CI; 1.602-5.515). The chance of using DS almost doubled in patients with subthreshold and moderate-severe insomnia (OR 1.930;95% CI 1.191-3.126) and (OR 2.485; 95% CI 1.247- 4.954) respectively.

Conclusions

Despite the limited evidence about the efficacy and safety of dietary supplement use for mental health, people tend to use them quite often. Although the use of supplements among Saudi population shown to be prevalent, limited studies assessed their use for the improvement of mental health.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The use of dietary supplements for mental health among the Saudi population: A cross-sectional survey

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Quarantine-related depression and anxiety during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

Introduction

Psychological well-being has an important impact on individuals. In the face of the health threat of COVID-19, psychological changes as fear stress anxiety and depression is reported.

Objectives

Explore the prevalence of depression and anxiety among people under quarantine during the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 65 participants who were quarantined at multiple hotels under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Health. The patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire (GAD-7) were used to assess depression and anxiety.

Results

The majority of the participants were male (66.2%), aged 18–29 (47.7%) from the Eastern region (66.15%), who were still waiting for the result of the COVID-19 test (64.6%). Approximately half of the sample had depressive and anxiety symptoms (49.2% and 44.6%, respectively). The depression mean score was significantly higher only among the 18–29 age group. However, the depression and anxiety mean scores were higher among females than males and among participants with positive COVID-19 test results compared to those who had pending or negative results. The anxiety mean score was higher during the first week of quarantine, but the depression mean score was higher during later weeks.

Conclusions

Depression and anxiety were prevalent among people in quarantine during the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia. It is crucial to study the most effective interventions to reduce the psychological consequences, especially for vulnerable groups. Longitudinal research studies need to be conducted to follow up regarding participants’ mental health symptoms and evidence-based interventions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on developing obsessive-compulsive disorder in saudi arabia

Introduction

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a contagious disease. Its potential psychological impact could involve fear of being contaminated by germs and dirt, which may lead to washing hands repeatedly until harm the skin.

Objectives

To explore the incidence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic among the Saudi general population, and to explore its correlation with stress and the associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of a sample consisting of 2909 participants was conducted during COVID-19 outbreak consists of socio-demographic characteristics, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and The Brief Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (BOCS).

Results

Most participants were female (73.9%) with university level or above (81%) and were disciplined with quarantine (75.6%). New onset symptoms of obsessive thoughts (worries about germs, dirt and viruses), and compulsive behavior (excessive hand washing) were reported by 57.8% and 45.9% of the participant. Participants who developed these symptoms only during CODIV-19 pandemic were significantly higher than asymptomatic participants or those who developed symptoms before the pandemic (p-value&lt; 0.000). New onset symptoms were significantly more among participants with high stress (57.5% and 51.4%; p-value &lt;0.000). Some sociodemographic characteristics were significantly associated with new onset OCD symptoms such as age group (40-49 years), employee in non-medical field, housewives, students, being disciplined and spending more days in quarantine (p- value&lt;0.000, p-value&lt;0.047, p-value&lt;0.012, p-value&lt;0.015).

Conclusions

This study revealed a significantly higher prevalence of high perceived stress in respondents with new onset OCD symptoms. This implies that bio disaster is associated with a high psychological morbidity which needs interventional programs.

Mental health and online learning among medical students during COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

Medical students’ well-being is a concern that drawn interest.On March, 2020, WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic.Strict isolation measures and closing schools expected to influence the mental health of students.Online education introduced to adjust to new realities.These un-precedented circumstances create significant stress and challenges may lead to unfavorable effects on learning and the overall psychological health of students.

Objectives

To explore the perception of stress and anxiety level among medical students in Saudi Arabia. To determine factors influencing perception of stress and anxiety among medical students in Saudi Arabia. To explore the association between perception of stress, anxiety and on-line learning.

Methods

An online survey will be distributed through students representatives targeting medical students from different levels. The survey will have 4 components: 1) Demographic data that will include: age, gender, level of education and region of residence. 2) Questions concerned the experience of online learning. 3) Perceived stress scale by sheldon cohen. The perceived stress scale (PSS) is a 10-question tool will be used to measure a person’s perception of stress over the past month and scored as low, moderate and high perceived stress. 4)Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) which is also a valid tool in detecting anxiety in the last two weeks by 7 items with Likert scale answers which scored as minimal, mild, moderate and severe

Results

Currently under analysis

Conclusions

To be attached later

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Mental health literacy in bipolar disorder: A cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Stigmatization of individuals with mental illnesses is widespread and serves as a major barrier to treatment. Specific alterations in mental health literacy about a disorder and its perceived treatability can change this social attitude. Assessing awareness of bipolar disorder is important as the WHO ranked bipolar disorder as the sixth cause of disability.

Objectives

To assess mental health literacy (knowledge, attitudes and beliefs) in bipolar disorder among Saudi population.

Methods

Cross sectional study is currently conducted. We are using valid reliable questionnaire assessing the level of awareness, knowledge, attitude and behavior toward bipolar disorder. It is distributed to adult Saudi citizen (> 17 years of age) in malls, university and hospitals in Riyadh. People who are known to have psychiatric disorder and their caregivers or who works as psychiatrists and psychologists are excluded.

Results

There are 200 samples collected, and 14 were excluded according to exclusion criteria. Fifty-two percent of our preliminary sample has heard about bipolar disorder, and more than half of them believe that neurotransmitter disturbances, substance use and psychological trauma are more likely to be causes of bipolar. In contrast, 49% of the sample did not choose psychiatric medication as effective treatment for bipolar, whereas more than half of them chose praying.

Conclusions

It is a first-of-its-kind research study in Saudi Arabia determining the current mental health literacy of bipolar disorder in Saudi Arabia. We are aiming to increase the sample size to reach 1000 participants. Further study will be needed to investigate possible interventions to improve such problem.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The experience and impact of stigma in Saudi people with a mood disorder

Introduction

Self-stigma plays a powerful role in attitudes toward mental illness and seeking psychological services. Assessing stigma from the perspective of people with mood disorders is important as they were ranked as major causes of disability.

Objectives

To determine the extent and the impact of stigma experience in Saudi patients with mood disorder and compare them between depression and bipolar disorder patients. To test if stigma is a universal experience and has similar psychosocial impact across cultures.

Aim

It's a part of multicenter international study comparing its results to the universal experiences inthe perspectives of individuals with mood disorder.

Methodology

We randomly interviewed 94 individuals with mood disorder at King Khalid University Hospital using valid reliable tool, Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences (ISE), which has two components: Stigma Experiences Scale (SES) and Stigma Impact Scale (SIS).

Results

ISE was validated in a population of Saudi patients with mood disorder. There were no significant differences in stigma between patients with bipolar or depressive disorder on SES or SIS. However, over 50% of all respondents tried to hide their mental illness from the others, and to avoid situations that might lead them to be stigmatized. In comparison with the Canadian population, Saudi participants scored lower on both SES and SIS, which may be due to cultural differences.

Conclusion

Stigma associated with mood disorder is serious and pervasive. It's important first to understand how patients perceive stigma in order to conduct successful anti-stigma programs. The ISE is a highly reliable instrument among cultures.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Psychological Well-being Among Social Network Users of King Saud University Students

Introduction

Social networks allow individuals to express themselves, and establish or maintain connections with others. Using social networks like Facebook may be associated with a sense of self-worth and may play an important role in psychological development of university students who are in emerging adulthood phase.

Objective

(1)

Aim

To study the psychological well-being of Saudi university students using social networks (Facebook).

Method

An electronic survey was published in the community site for all students of King Saud University. in addition to the demographic information, the survey evaluates Facebook use intensity, bridging social capital and psychological well-being: self-esteem and satisfaction with life.

Results

A total of 1005 students completed the survey, of which 50.5% were female. Majority of them were members in Facebook (92.1%).

Conclusions

Results showed no significant correlation between the use of Facebook and psychological well-being. It could be due to the fundamental difference between Arabs and other cultures or due to the use of other social networks. There was a positive relationship between bridging social capital and psychological well-being with being in preparatory year, which is most likely because advanced years has more workload preventing students from participating in King Saud University community. A longitudinal study over a series of years and addressing other popular social networks would be the next step.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.