Depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Aims The emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic, with a high transmission and mortality rate, has created an extraordinary crisis worldwide. Such an unusual situation may have an undesirable impact on the mental health of individuals which, in turn, may influence their outcomes. This study aimed to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological disposition of residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 27 March and 27 April 2020. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to assess depression and anxiety. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of these. Results A total of 2,081 individuals participated in the study. The prevalence of depression and anxiety among the study participants was 9.4% and 7.3%, respectively. Non-Saudi residents, individuals aged 50 years and above, divorced people, retired people, university students, and those with an income between 2,000 and 10,000 SR were at higher risk of developing depression. Saudi individuals, married people, the unemployed, and those with a high income (> 10,000 RS) were at higher risk of developing anxiety. Conclusion We found that there is a wide range of Saudi residents who are at higher risk of developing mental illness during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers and mental healthcare providers are advised to provide continuous monitoring of the psychological consequences during this pandemic and provide the required health support. What is already known about this subject? – The emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic, with a high transmission and mortality rate, has created an extraordinary crisis worldwide. – The COVID-19 pandemic might have an undesirable impact on the mental health of individuals. What does this article add? – Depression and anxiety are common among the Saudi population. – A considerable proportion of the Saudi population is concerned about contracting COVID-19 or transmitting it to family members. – Unemployed individuals and university students are at higher risk of depression and anxiety.