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Almalki SA, Ashdown BK. Women's access to healthcare services in the Jazan region of the KSA. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2024; 19:766-774. [PMID: 39081592 PMCID: PMC11286984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2024.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Our study investigated women's access to governmental healthcare in the Jazan region of the KSA. Our purpose is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the determinates of women's perceptions of their own access to healthcare, considering various demographic factors, family life, and gender role beliefs. Methods We conducted a hierarchical regression analysis using data from a sample of 494 women. The first model included nationality, education, age, rurality, and other sociodemographic factors. The second model included the variables from the first model as well as self-ratings of physical and mental health and regular exercise. The third model included the variables from the first two models in addition to satisfaction with family life and gender role beliefs. Results Our analysis revealed that age, nationality, employment, and having good physical and mental health, and satisfaction with family life positively predicted women's perceptions of their access to healthcare. Adherence to traditional gender roles, however, predicted less accessibility. Conclusion Policymakers could use the outcomes of our study to enhance women's healthcare accessibility in Jazan region. The results could enhance the development and transformation of healthcare and women's health issues, particularly in understudied rural Saudi regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Almalki
- Department of Home Economics, University College of Farasan, Jazan University, Jazan, KSA
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Ashraf N, Arabi TZ, Dabaliz A, Abou Shaar B, Baqal OJ, Taha RM, Baqal EJ, Alkodaymi MS, Obeidat A, Ouban A. Assessing the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder in a multicultural medical education setting in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1359348. [PMID: 39100851 PMCID: PMC11294106 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1359348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mental health among medical students is an area that has been increasingly garnering world-wide attention. Yet, despite this increased attention, research related to anxiety disorders in Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study aims to address this gap by assessing the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as explore its association with students' sociodemographic factors and academic performance among medical students in a Saudi Arabian institute that has a diverse, multicultural student body. Methods The study takes place in a unique educational environment: a privately funded institute in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with 32% of its student body comprising international students from over 40 countries, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study deploys the use of a survey that was sent to the students at this institute via their institutional emails. A survey containing 33 items assessing demographics, GAD using GAD-7 questionnaire, stress-relief measures, online learning experience during the pandemic, mental disorders, anxiety associated with the pandemic, two open-ended questions, and one item assessing sleep difficulty. Results The results of the survey showed that a significant majority of the responders' scores in the GAD-7 assessment were in the range of moderate to severe anxiety. The results also suggest that low cGPA and the first academic years are significantly associated with higher GAD-7 scores. Students found severe time constraints, difficult educational content, and lack of psychological support to be major sources of stress. Furthermore, students suggested providing an in-house psychologist, personalized feedback, and guidance on study tactics as methods to reduce anxiety. Conclusion These findings, among others, suggest a need for further studies and research in this field to uncover broader patterns and inform targeted mental health support strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Ashraf
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Alhomam Dabaliz
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Omar Javed Baqal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Pheonix, AZ, United States
| | | | | | | | - Akef Obeidat
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Almadani AH, Altheyab ES, Alkheraiji MA, Alfraiji AF, Albrekkan F, Alkhamis AS, AlBuqami FH, Aljaffer MA. Perceptions and Attitudes of Mental Health Professionals toward the Mental Health Care Law in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2784. [PMID: 37893858 PMCID: PMC10606621 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Saudi Mental Health Care Law (SMHL) was established in 2014; however, no prior study has evaluated mental health professionals' perceptions or attitudes toward it. This cross-sectional study examines these aspects and their associated factors among psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric nurses in Saudi Arabia (SA). The data were collected from 432 participants using an online electronic survey consisting of four sections, including the Mental Health Legislation Attitudes Scale (MHLAS). Psychiatrists comprised most participants (46.06%), followed by psychologists (36.34%). Most participants were 40 years of age or younger (83.10%). Of the 432 participants, 226 (52.31%) were females. Overall, 28.70% were unaware of the existence of the SMHL. A total of 172 (66.67%) out of 258 participants agreed that the legislation operates well in ensuring treatment for persons who require involuntary admission. There was a statistically significant association between specialty and opinions of treatment efficacy and care benefits of the SMHL (p = 0.031 and p < 0.001, respectively). Official implementation of SMHL in participants' facilities resulted in high MHLAS scores (p = 0.007). Reading or attending lectures and workshops related to the SMHL resulted in high MHLAS scores (p = 0.044 and p = 0.021, respectively). Negative opinions and uncertainty regarding the effect of SMHL on confidentiality were associated with low total MHLAS scores (p < 0.001). This study highlights the need to increase awareness of the SMHL among Saudi Arabian healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad H. Almadani
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.); (M.A.A.)
- Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia; (E.S.A.)
- SABIC Psychological Health Research and Applications Chair (SPHRAC), Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eylaf S. Altheyab
- Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia; (E.S.A.)
| | - Meshal A. Alkheraiji
- Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia; (E.S.A.)
| | - Abdulaziz F. Alfraiji
- Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia; (E.S.A.)
| | - Fatimah Albrekkan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.); (M.A.A.)
- Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia; (E.S.A.)
- SABIC Psychological Health Research and Applications Chair (SPHRAC), Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia
| | - AlRabab S. Alkhamis
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Fay H. AlBuqami
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A. Aljaffer
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.); (M.A.A.)
- Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia; (E.S.A.)
- SABIC Psychological Health Research and Applications Chair (SPHRAC), Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia
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Alblowi EA, Shujaa MA, Alonazi WB. Measuring Performance of Rural Mental Healthcare Services in Saudi Arabia. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:3895-3905. [PMID: 37817911 PMCID: PMC10561611 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s420662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recently, the Saudi government has proposed several initiatives to promote mental health, including the national program named Wazen. The objective of this study was to observe the performance of mental hospitals using a balanced scorecard through this federal program. Methods Secondary quantitative analysis was implemented utilizing the Wazen report program data in 2022. The report adopted a balanced scorecard (BSC) concept. The study focused on 19 mental health facilities (Eraddah Hospitals) in the Ministry of Health (MOH) regions. The MOH's annual statistical report for 2018 and 2022 was reviewed to explore more about beds, staff, and the number of new mental disorder cases. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 365 and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25) software. Mental health hospitals were classified into three categories. Results Most rural hospitals had lower performance in the yellow threshold value that might need improvement. The data shows that the mean of all hospital performance in some domains ranged, yielding 70% staff engagement and 77% continued educational activity, indicating unsatisfactory performance across public mental health services. The means score of access to care was 97.0% and 94.7%, marking the better mental health services provided. Between 2018 and 2022, there was a significant rise in the prevalence of mental disorders, as evidenced by the number of new patients and outpatients indicated by specific mental diseases, including conditions of psychological development (F80-F98). Discussion The high quality of mental healthcare is manifested by therapeutic ethos with a high degree of interaction between professional careers and service users. The former is enhanced by highly educated, competent, compassionate, self-aware, and specialized healthcare professionals in mental health. When assessing mental healthcare services, we recommend considering providers' and professionals' conditions for successful implementation in alignment with patient experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman A Alblowi
- Health Administration Department, College of Business Administration, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11587, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona A Shujaa
- Health Administration Department, College of Business Administration, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11587, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wadi B Alonazi
- Health Administration Department, College of Business Administration, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11587, Saudi Arabia
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Alhabeeb AA, Al-Duraihem RA, Alasmary S, Alkhamaali Z, Althumiri NA, BinDhim NF. National screening for anxiety and depression in Saudi Arabia 2022. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1213851. [PMID: 37441650 PMCID: PMC10333514 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1213851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), represent a significant public health concern in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to provide a recent mental health screening prevalence, including anxiety and depression screening in the general public and to explore the associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, employing a phone interview survey with 6,015 participants, using a quota sampling strategy to ensure equal representation of both sexes and administrative regions. The study assessed the prevalence of MDD and GAD risk and examined demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors associated with these mental health disorders. Results The national prevalence of people at risk of MDD and GAD were found to be 12.7 and 12.4%, respectively. Low diagnosis and treatment rates were observed, with only 1.5 and 0.5% of participants currently diagnosed and treated for depression and anxiety, respectively. Risk factors for MDD and GAD included female sex, lower education and income levels, smoking, and waterpipe use. Protective factors included physical activity, participation in volunteering activities and the practice of daily hobbies in the last 30 days. Conclusion The relatively high prevalence of MDD and GAD risk and low diagnosis and treatment rates in Saudi Arabia emphasize the need for increased mental health promotion, early detection, and treatment accessibility. The study highlights the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors and fostering protective factors through targeted interventions. Future research should focus on longitudinal associations, potential mediators and moderators, and the development of culturally appropriate and evidence-based interventions to enhance mental health outcomes in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saeed Alasmary
- National Centre for Mental Health Promotion, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Nora A. Althumiri
- Informed Decision-Making for Research and Studies, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser F. BinDhim
- Informed Decision-Making for Research and Studies, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Al-Subaie AS, Al-Habeeb A, Altwaijri YA. Overview of the Saudi National Mental Health Survey. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2020; 29:e1835. [PMID: 33245612 PMCID: PMC7507437 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To present background information for the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS) on the Saudi mental healthcare delivery system and previous epidemiological research on the prevalence and treatment of mental disorders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS Archival information and the results of a literature review are presented. RESULTS KSA is the largest sovereign nation in the Middle East and the largest free market economy in the Middle East and North Africa. A national mental health policy has been in existence since 2006, but mental health spending still is less than in most other high-income countries. The Ministry of Health has recently begun developing a new healthcare system based on a patient-centered model of care that will integrate care of mental disorders with care of physical disorders. Previous epidemiological research on mental disorders in KSA has been limited, making the SNMHS important for policy planning purposes to obtain accurate estimates of prevalence, treatment, and barriers to treatment. CONCLUSIONS The SNMHS will provide valuable information for policy planning purposes on the burden of untreated mental disorders in KSA and barriers to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah S Al-Subaie
- Edrak Medical Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,SABIC Psychological Health Research & Applications Chair (SPHRAC), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - AbdulHameed Al-Habeeb
- National Center for Mental Health Promotion, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasmin A Altwaijri
- SABIC Psychological Health Research & Applications Chair (SPHRAC), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Salman Center for Disability Research, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific Computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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