Common Mental Health Conditions and Self-Stigma in Saudi Adults: Implications for Promotion and Intervention

Objective: Saudi Arabian adults face high rates of depression, stress, and anxiety. Selfstigma complicates the situation, hindering timely treatment and resulting in adverse outcomes. This study examined the prevalence of these mental health conditions and selfstigma among adults and their association with sociodemographic factors in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. The findings will inform targeted interventions and support for better mental health understanding in the region.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1056 participants aged ≥18 years. Convenient sampling was used, and participants completed a self-administered online questionnaire comprising 49 questions. The questionnaire covered demographics, mental illnesses (assessed through the depression, anxiety, and stress scale 21 [DASS-21] questionnaire), and self-stigmatizing attitudes toward the measured mental conditions (measured using the self-stigma of depression scale [SSDS] questionnaire).

Results: The majority of the 1056 participants were Saudi nationals living in the Jazan region, with a mean age of 29 years. The participants’ mental health data revealed a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms (55%, 56%, and 39%, respectively). The DASS-21 questionnaire results revealed varying degrees of depression (normal: 45%, mild: 12%, moderate: 20%, severe: 8%, extremely severe: 15%), anxiety (normal: 44%, mild: 7%, moderate: 18%, severe: 8%, extremely severe: 23%), and stress (normal: 60%, mild: 11%, moderate: 11%, severe: 10%, extremely severe: 7%). The mean self-stigmatization score reported was 52 (Standard Deviation (SD)=17), with 540 (51%) participants having stigma and 513 (49%) with low levels of stigma. The relationship assessment between stigma and depression, anxiety, and stress revealed that levels of stigma were higher in normal individuals than in those having depression, anxiety, or stress. Regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between mental health variables, self-stigmatization, and other factors. The analysis revealed that urban residence and the severity of depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with lower levels of self-stigmatization.

Conclusion: This research highlighted the high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress, along with self-stigmatization in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Recommendations include increasing awareness, improving access to services, promoting early intervention, enhancing community support, combating self-stigma, and conducting further research to confirm generalizability. Targeted interventions and public health strategies are needed to promote mental well-being and address this burden in Jazan.

Cite this article as: Jareebi MA, Alqassim AY, Otayf DAH, et al. Common mental health conditions and self-stigma in saudi adults: implications for promotion and intervention. Alpha Psychiatry. Published online September 19, 2024. doi: 10.5152/ alphapsychiatry.2024.241576.