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Hawsawi T, Appleton J, Al-Adah R, Al-Mutairy A, Sinclair P, Wilson A. Mental health recovery in a collectivist society: Saudi consumers, carers and nurses' shared perspectives. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2024; 33:1013-1025. [PMID: 38348548 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
In 2019, the World Health Organization urged a global shift towards recovery-focused practices in mental health care. In Western nations, this transition often prioritised individualism over collectivism. In contrast, collectivist societies prioritise recovery through community and social support. This study explored mental health recovery from the perspectives of consumers, carers and registered nurses in a mainly collectivist society (Saudi Arabia) using a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. Sixteen consumers, ten carers and eight registered nurses participated in online semi-structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to analyse English-translated versions of the 34 interviews. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies 32-item checklist were used. The study found that recovery was perceived as a process of transforming towards living a meaningful life of goals and values supported by trusted people who share moments of comfort and empowerment. A unique finding was the 'bond of recovery' a collectivist value that aid consumers' community integration in society. Saudi consumers' experiences of recovery were similar to consumers' movement narratives of recovery. Future research should establish a recovery-focused educational program that incorporates our findings into a recovery-oriented approach. This will facilitate providing a collaborative care between consumers, carers and nurses that centres around consumers' recovery goals and values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahani Hawsawi
- Faculty of Nursing, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica Appleton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rawan Al-Adah
- Al-Amal Hospital, Jeddah Health Affairs, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulraheem Al-Mutairy
- Mental Health Hospital in Jeddah, Jeddah Health Affairs, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Peter Sinclair
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
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Alangari AS, Fatani F, Binhowaimel N, Al Kadri HM, Alshahrani A, Al Khateeb BF, Aldubikhi AI, Bin Amer MI, Alsaif A, El-Metwally A. Factors Associated with Mental Illness in a Primary Healthcare Setting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Case-Control Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1298. [PMID: 38998833 PMCID: PMC11241062 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12131298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Mental health conditions are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a 13% rise within the last decade. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with mental illness in patients presenting to a primary healthcare center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS Data were extracted from the electronic health records of 46 primary care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from March 2022 to March 2023. A total of 2418 age-matched mental health cases and controls were evaluated. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the distribution and association of relevant risk factors. A total of 1209 cases were age-matched to 1209 controls presenting to a primary clinic. RESULTS The odds of mental illness in females were 2.2 times that of males. Clinical conditions associated with mental illness were stroke, diabetes, and obesity. Neurodegenerative disorders were also associated with mental illness. CONCLUSIONS Primary clinics in the KSA can serve as focal points in removing the barriers to mental healthcare. There is an urgent need to spread awareness, remove the stigma, and provide appropriate care and referrals for mental health conditions in the KSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz S Alangari
- College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris Fatani
- Riyadh Second Health Cluster, Riyadh 11525, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hanan M Al Kadri
- College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Awad Alshahrani
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badr F Al Khateeb
- College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Family Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aljohrah I Aldubikhi
- College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 13316, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Afrah Alsaif
- College of Health Information Systems, Inaya Medical Colleges, Riyadh 13541, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf El-Metwally
- College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
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Alyousef SM, Alhamidi SA. Nursing student perspectives on improving mental health support services at university in Saudi Arabia - a qualitative study. J Ment Health 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38840521 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2024.2361224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND University students' needs for mental health (MH) services are an important aspect of academic success or failure. Nursing students enrolled at Saudi Arabian universities in need of MH care encounter obstacles in accessing this type of care. AIMS The present work explores students' views and suggestions about the existing problems surrounding university students' MH and well-being support services. METHODS Twenty students enrolled in a Master of Nursing program were recruited as research participants. Individual interviews of students' perceptions of the needs and availability of MH services during their studies provided inductive data. These data were analysed through a constructivist thematic method. FINDINGS Three major themes and sub-themes regarding the issues and possibilities of MH services were distinguished from the research data, namely, social implications, access and opportunity, and ways to improve care. Participants emphasised a need for a university-wide approach to reforming MH services to provide students with the required support and alleviate service demand by qualified professionals. CONCLUSION The present work underscores the need for provision of good quality MH care for university students and health promotion which strives to reduce stigma related to MH care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seham Mansour Alyousef
- Community and Psychiatric Department, Nursing College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami Abdulrahman Alhamidi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Nursing College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Alhumaidan NI, Alotaibi TA, Aloufi KS, Althobaiti AA, Althobaiti NSA, Althobaiti K, Almutiri WA, Alhaqbani K, Alboqami T, Albeheiri L, Alfaisal NF. Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Help in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e60363. [PMID: 38883041 PMCID: PMC11178508 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, mental disorders have become a significant burden, affecting a substantial number of individuals. Accessing mental health services is crucial for effective treatment and improving outcomes. However, significant barriers to seeking health services can impede access and contribute to the treatment gap. This systematic review aims to identify and analyze the perceived barriers to seeking mental health services in Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive search was conducted among four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Science Direct) to identify relevant studies published between 2018 and 2023. Studies that investigated barriers that could prevent psychiatric patients from seeking mental health services in Saudi Arabia were included. Data extraction and synthesis were performed to identify common themes and barriers. The review included a total of six studies that examined barriers to seeking mental health services in Saudi Arabia. The identified barriers encompassed a range of factors, including stigma, lack of awareness, concerns about confidentiality, limited availability of services, negative attitudes toward professional help, and cultural and religious beliefs. The lack of knowledge, as well as the negative attitude toward mental health care, was a perceived barrier to help-seeking in most studies. Furthermore, stigma was consistently reported as a predominant barrier, preventing individuals from seeking mental health care. This systematic review highlights the barriers to seeking mental health services in Saudi Arabia. Addressing these barriers is essential for improving access to mental healthcare and reducing the treatment gap. Strategies should focus on destigmatization efforts, increasing awareness, ensuring confidentiality and privacy, providing culturally appropriate care, and addressing structural limitations. By implementing these strategies, healthcare systems can improve access to mental health care and the overall well-being of individuals experiencing mental disorders in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah I Alhumaidan
- College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wijdan A Almutiri
- College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Khawlah Alhaqbani
- College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Tafe Alboqami
- College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Latifah Albeheiri
- College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Njoud F Alfaisal
- Family Medicine, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, SAU
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Alsalman Z, Shafey MM, Al-Khofi A, Alessa J, Bukhamsin R, Bokhuwah M, Aljumaiah R, Al-Makhaitah N, Almaslami M. Barriers to mental health service utilisation among medical students in Saudi Arabia. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1371628. [PMID: 38680929 PMCID: PMC11055457 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1371628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Medical students experience high levels of stress, often due to academic demands, which can adversely affect their mental health. However, they frequently hesitate to seek and underutilise available mental health services. This study aimed to assess the perceived need for mental health services and identify the barriers to seeking help among undergraduate medical students. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study recruited 480 undergraduate medical students from two main universities in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through an online, self-administered questionnaire that encompassed sections on sociodemographic details, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), perceptions about the necessity for professional mental health care, service utilisation over the past year, and the Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE-III). Results The study found that 33.6% of the participants showed signs of depression. Even though 42.5% expressed a perceived need for mental health services, only 16.2% actually utilised these services in the previous 12 months. In terms of barriers, attitudinal-related barriers received the highest mean score, followed by stigma- and instrumental-related barriers. Notably, students who had previously experienced academic failure and those who had sought mental health services were more inclined to report stigma- and instrumental-related barriers. Conclusion Mental health challenges are notably prevalent among undergraduate medical students. Although there is a significant perceived need for professional mental health intervention, the actual utilisation rate remains low. The primary obstacles to seeking assistance are attitudinal and stigma-related barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaenb Alsalman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa Mahmoud Shafey
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma Al-Khofi
- College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jumana Alessa
- College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghad Bukhamsin
- College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - May Bokhuwah
- College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ryhana Aljumaiah
- College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Maryam Almaslami
- College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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Aljuhnie MA, Alharbi AS, Alharbi OF, Saati AA, Alshumrani FA, Alharbi AE, Hazazi RF, Alharbi MS, Shatla M. Attitudes and Stigma Toward Seeking Psychological Help Among the General Population of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2024; 16:e55492. [PMID: 38571867 PMCID: PMC10989704 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health conditions globally, and, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), roughly 25% of people worldwide suffer from them. Serious mental diseases can cause a great deal of suffering and incapacity, lowering people's quality of life. Stigma and unfavorable attitudes toward mental illness often discourage people from seeking psychological assistance and achieving recovery from mental problems. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the attitudes of the general population of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, toward seeking psychological help, and to determine the degree to which stigma prevents individuals from seeking help. Methods An online, self-administered survey was distributed via social media platforms among the general population of Makkah between September and December 2023. Males and females over the age of 18 years living in Makkah were included. The exclusion criteria were participants who declined to participate in the study or those who were below 18 years of age. Results A total of 495 eligible participants completed the study survey. Of them, 378 (76.4%) were female, and most (390, 78.8%) were Saudi Arabian nationals. A total of 341 (68.9%) participants had symptoms of anxiety, and 319 (64.4%) had symptoms of depression. Regarding unfavorable attitudes, the scores were significantly higher among participants over 40 years of age (1.81 ± 0.46; p<0.05) and those with relatively low levels of education (1.93 ± 0.65; p<0.05). As for stigma, the scores were significantly higher among male participants (2.38 ± 0.83; p<0.05) and those with low levels of education (2.54 ± 0.8; p<0.05). Conclusion A significant negative correlation between participants' attitudes toward seeking psychological help and stigma was observed. However, in contrast, the psychological symptom scores did not significantly correlate with the participants' attitudes. Stigma scores showed significant positive correlations with depression and overall symptom scores. This research showed that stigma has a significant impact on attitudes toward help-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Aljuhnie
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU
| | - Abdullah S Alharbi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU
| | - Omar F Alharbi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU
| | - Asim A Saati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU
| | - Fahad A Alshumrani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU
| | - Abdullah E Alharbi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU
| | - Raghad F Hazazi
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU
| | - Mohammad S Alharbi
- Infectious Disease Control Department, Saudi Ministry of Health, Makkah, SAU
| | - Mokhtar Shatla
- Department of Community Medicine and Pilgrims Health Care, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU
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Yoon JJ, Petrie T. Barriers to and Facilitators of Collegiate Athletes Seeking Mental Health Services. J Athl Train 2023; 58:715-721. [PMID: 37071503 PMCID: PMC11215743 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0559.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Approximately 1 in 5 student-athletes experience some type of mental health concern. However, fewer than half of student-athletes who report mental health concerns seek mental health treatment (ie, psychotherapy or medication). Data concerning barriers to student-athletes seeking mental health care are limited but suggest that stigma is the primary reason. Further, whether having shared identities with their sport psychologists (eg, race and gender) encourages student-athletes to seek help has been minimally explored. OBJECTIVES To determine the frequency of internal and external barriers to athletes seeking mental health care and examine the importance of athletes and sport psychologists sharing identities as a facilitator of seeking help. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Collegiate athletics. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 266 student-athletes (53.8% women, 42.5% White) from a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I university. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Student-athletes responded to 9 binary (yes or no) prompts related to internal barriers (eg, beliefs and attitudes about mental health) and 7 reflecting external barriers (ie, different stakeholders, such as the head coach). Regarding facilitators of mental health help-seeking, student-athletes rated how important it was for them to share each of 10 identities with their sport psychologist from 1 (not at all important) to 5 (extremely important). All identified barriers and facilitators were derived from existing research. RESULTS Differences were found in athletes' ratings of internal and external barriers. For example, a belief in one's own reliance and not having enough time were significant barriers, as was their head coach having a negative attitude about the importance of mental health. Female student-athletes rated sharing a gender identity with their sport psychologist as more important than did male student-athletes. CONCLUSIONS Despite efforts by the National Collegiate Athletic Association to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, persisting barriers within collegiate sports may keep athletes from seeking help.
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Yu G, Tang EYH, Fu Y. Health Disparities and Comparison of Psychiatric Medication Use before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown among General Practitioner Practices in the North East of England. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6034. [PMID: 37297638 PMCID: PMC10252938 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20116034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric medications play a vital role in the management of mental health disorders. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown limited access to primary care services, leading to an increase in remote assessment and treatment options to maintain social distancing. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the use of psychiatric medication in primary care settings. METHODS We conducted a retrospective claims-based analysis of anonymized monthly aggregate practice-level data on anxiolytics and hypnotics use from 322 general practitioner (GP) practices in the North East of England, where health disparities are known to be higher. Participants were all residents who took anxiolytics and hypnotics from primary care facilities for two financial years, from 2019/20 to 2020/21. The primary outcome was the volume of Anxiolytics and Hypnotics used as the standardized, average daily quantities (ADQs) per 1000 patients. Based on the OpenPrescribing database, a random-effect model was applied to quantify the change in the level and trend of anxiolytics and hypnotics use after the UK national lockdown in March 2020. Practice characteristics extracted from the Fingertips data were assessed for their association with a reduction in medication use following the lockdown. RESULTS This study in the North East of England found that GP practices in higher health disparate regions had a lower workload than those in less health disparate areas, potentially due to disparities in healthcare utilization and socioeconomic status. Patients in the region reported higher levels of satisfaction with healthcare services compared to the England average, but there were differences between patients living in higher versus less health disparate areas. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address health disparities, particularly in higher health disparate areas. The study also found that psychiatric medication use was significantly more common in residents living in higher health disparate areas. Daily anxiolytics and hypnotics use decreased by 14 items per 1000 patients between the financial years 2019/20 and 2020/21. A further nine items per 1000 decreased for higher health disparate areas during the UK national lockdown. CONCLUSIONS People during the COVID-19 lockdown were associated with an increased risk of unmet psychiatric medication demand, especially for higher health disparate areas that had low-socioeconomic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Yu
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East and North Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, The Clocktower Building, St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, Cumbria, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT, UK
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK
| | - Eugene Y. H. Tang
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK
| | - Yu Fu
- Primary Care & Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GL, UK
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Khatib HE, Alyafei A, Shaikh M. Understanding experiences of mental health help-seeking in Arab populations around the world: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:324. [PMID: 37161342 PMCID: PMC10170733 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and ethnic disparities in mental health service utilisation and access is well established. Mental illness is common among Arab populations globally, but most individuals display negative attitudes towards mental health and do not seek professional help. The aim of this systematic review was to determine 1) help-seeking behaviours 2) help-seeking attitudes and 3) help-seeking barriers and facilitators, related to mental health services among Arab adults. METHOD A pre-defined search strategy and eligibility criteria allowed for database searching using terms related to: mental health, Arabs, help-seeking, as well as experiences and behaviours. Seventy-four articles were included and analysed through narrative synthesis. Results were reported using the PRISMA guidelines. The review protocol was registered prospectively on PROSPERO (CRD42022319889). RESULTS Arabs across the world have negative attitudes towards formal help-seeking and are reluctant to seek help, despite the presence of psychological distress. There is little information on factors that influence help-seeking behaviours and rates of service use. Preference for informal help sources such as family and friends were expressed and considered more acceptable. Low mental health literacy, stigma, gender, age, education, religion, acculturation, and immigrant status were the most common factors influencing help-seeking attitudes. Barriers to help-seeking included stigma, privacy and confidentiality, trust, mental health literacy, language, logistics, and culture related barriers. Increasing societal and family awareness, external support and encouragement, shared culture between the client and therapist, quality of doctor patient relationship, and feelings of connectedness with the host country among refugees were mentioned facilitators. Mixed findings for the role of religion, and family and community, in relation to facilitating or hindering help-seeking were reported. CONCLUSIONS There is an increased likelihood and preference to seek informal sources of psychological support among Arabs. Contextual and cultural factors impeding help-seeking for Arabs are common across the world. Future research should address actual utilisation rates of services to better understand factors that influence help-seeking behaviours and facilitators to help-seeking. Increasing mental health literacy and developing anti stigma campaigns is necessary. Developing culturally informed interventions should inform future efforts to promote help-seeking among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hania El Khatib
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Aisha Alyafei
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Madiha Shaikh
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Altwaijri Y, Kazdin AE, Al-Subaie A, Al-Habeeb A, Hyder S, Bilal L, Naseem MT, De Vol E. Lifetime prevalence and treatment of mental disorders in Saudi youth and adolescents. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6186. [PMID: 37061556 PMCID: PMC10105730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous global and regional studies indicate that adolescents and young adults (i.e., youth) are affected by various mental disorders with lifelong consequences. However, there are no national estimates of mental disorders prevalent among Saudi youth. Using data from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS), we examined the lifetime prevalence, treatment, and socio-demographic correlates of mental disorders among Saudi youth (aged 15-30). A total of 4004 interviews were conducted using the adapted Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0). Cross tabulations and logistic regression were used to generate estimates for the SNMHS youth sample (n = 1881). The prevalence of a mental disorder among Saudi youth was 40.10%, where anxiety disorders affected 26.84% of the sample, followed by disruptive behavior disorders (15.44%), mood disorders (9.67%), substance use disorders (4%) and eating disorders (7.06%). Sex, education, parental education, income, marital status, region, and family history of disorders were significant correlates of various classes of mental disorders. Only 14.47% of Saudi youth with any mental disorder received treatment for a lifetime disorder. Age, parental education, and family history of disorders emerged as significant correlates of mental health treatment. Lifetime mental disorders are highly prevalent among Saudi youth. There is an unmet need for culturally sensitive and age-appropriate treatment of lifetime mental disorders among youth in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Altwaijri
- King Salman Center for Disability Research, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific Computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, MBC 03, PO Box 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
- SABIC Psychological Health Research & Applications Chair (SPHRAC), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Alan E Kazdin
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Abdullah Al-Subaie
- SABIC Psychological Health Research & Applications Chair (SPHRAC), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Edrak Medical Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulhameed Al-Habeeb
- National Center for Mental Health Promotion, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sanaa Hyder
- SABIC Psychological Health Research & Applications Chair (SPHRAC), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Health and Meaningful Dialogue (HAMD) Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Lisa Bilal
- King Salman Center for Disability Research, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific Computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, MBC 03, PO Box 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
- SABIC Psychological Health Research & Applications Chair (SPHRAC), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Talal Naseem
- King Salman Center for Disability Research, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific Computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, MBC 03, PO Box 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
- SABIC Psychological Health Research & Applications Chair (SPHRAC), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Edward De Vol
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific Computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, MBC 03, PO Box 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
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