Rates of depression, anxiety, and stress in King Abdulaziz University freshmen, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Authors

  • Sulhi A. Alfakeh Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Khaled Mesfer Alghamdi Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Rawan Mostafa Hilal Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Marwa Mohamed Abdelmoaty Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22317/jcms.v7i2.962

Keywords:

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Saudi Arabia, Students

Abstract

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among first-year university students in Saudi Arabia.

Method: We distributed an online survey through to 861 first-year students, aged 17-25, at King Abdulaziz University. The survey used a validated Arabic short version of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales, and sociodemographic factors.

Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 80.4%, 71.8%, and 69.3%, respectively. A plurality showed extremely severe depression and anxiety, and severe stress symptoms. The frequency of exercise was inversely related to depression, anxiety, and stress. A total of 8.2% of students had visited a psychiatrist at some point in their lives, and 40.5% of students had suicidal thoughts.

Conclusion: Programs to identify students suffering from mental illness and offer adequate care and support are essential.

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Published

2021-04-26

How to Cite

Alfakeh, S. A., Alghamdi, K. M., Hilal, R. M., & Abdelmoaty, M. M. (2021). Rates of depression, anxiety, and stress in King Abdulaziz University freshmen, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Contemporary Medical Sciences, 7(2), 116–121. https://doi.org/10.22317/jcms.v7i2.962