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This study investigates the community's perception of mental health in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing its influence on attitudes toward the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental health issues. This understanding is vital for creating evidence-based mental health interventions. A cross-sectional national mental health screening was conducted in 2023, utilizing proportional quota sampling for age, gender, and regional representation among 4547 Saudi participants aged 18-90, randomly selected from national databases. Data were gathered using the ZDataCloud system. The study covered all 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Eastern Province, Asir, Tabuk, Hail, Northern Borders, Jazan, Najran, Baha, and Al-Jouf. The majority (86.5%) had no personal history of mental health diagnosis or treatment. Key findings identified psychological trauma (78.36%) and substance abuse (72.88%) as primary perceived causes of mental disorders. Preferred treatments included non-pharmacological psychotherapies (74.97%) and pharmacological methods (71.08%). Prevention strategies focused on raising awareness of mental illness (80.4%) and enhancing positive relationships (70.6%). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between demographic variables and perceptions of mental disorder causes, treatments, and prevention strategies. Females were more likely than males to perceive psychological trauma, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence and sexual harassment as causes of mental disorders. Regarding treatments, females and those with personal or close connections to mental health issues were more likely to endorse non-pharmacological psychotherapy and Roquia in the Qur'an. For prevention strategies, females, those with a mental health diagnosis, and those living with someone diagnosed with a mental disorder were more likely to endorse increasing awareness, positive social relationships, and physical activity. The study suggests integrating religious and social beliefs into mental health programs to enhance community engagement and effectiveness.

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BACKGROUND: Mental, neurological, and substance abuse (MNS) disorders describe a range of conditions that affect the brain and cause distress or functional impairment. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), MNS disorders make up 10.88 percent of the burden of disease as measured in disability-adjusted life years. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is one of the main providers of mental health services and one of the largest contributors to mental health research in the region. Within the past decade, mental health resources and services has increased. METHODS: We employ a needs-based workforce estimate as a planning exercise to arrive at the total number of psychiatrists, nurses, and psychosocial care providers needed to meet the epidemiological need of mental health conditions of the population of KSA. Estimates for a potential mental health workforce gap were calculated using five steps: Step 1-Quantify target population for priority mental health conditions. Step 2-Identify number of expected cases per year. Step 3-Set target service coverage for each condition. Step 4-Estimate cost-effective health care service resource utilization for each condition. Step 5-Estimate service resources needed for each condition. RESULTS: The planning exercise indicates an epidemiologic need for a total of 17,100 full-time-equivalent (FTE) health care providers to treat priority MNS disorders. KSA appears to have a need-based shortage of 10,400 health workers to treat mental disorders. A total of 100 psychiatrists, 5700 nurses, and 4500 psychosocial care providers would be additionally needed (that is, above and beyond current levels) to address the priority mental health conditions. The shortfall is particularly severe for nurses and psychosocial workers who make up 98.9 percent of the shortfall. This shortage is substantial when compared to other high-income countries. Overall, the workforce needed to treat MNS conditions translates to 49.2 health workers per 100,000 population. CONCLUSION: Challenges to addressing the shortfall are Saudi specific which includes awareness of cultural customs and norms in the medical setting. These challenges are compounded by the lack of Saudi nationals in the mental health workforce. Saudi nationals make up 29.5 percent of the physician workforce and 38.8 percent of the nursing workforce. Policymakers and planners supplement this shortfall with non-Saudi providers, who must be mindful of Saudi-specific cultural considerations. Potential solutions to reducing the shortfall of mental health care workers includes nurse task shifting and training of general practitioners to screen for, and treat, a subset of MNS disorders.

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Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a significant global problem resulting from the interaction of multiple factors, including mental health factors. However, the association of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy with mental health has not been well-examined, especially in Arab culture. This study aims to identify the correlation between anxiety/fear of COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy among Saudi adults. Methods: An online-based survey was administered to 558 participants from all regions of Saudi Arabia using the snowball technique. However, this sample may not be representative of the Saudi adult population. Participants responded to the Questionnaire of Vaccine Hesitancy, the COVID-19-Anxiety Questionnaire (C-19-A), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Data were analyzed on vaccine uptake, vaccine hesitancy, coronavirus infection, and demographic variables. The predictive factors of vaccine hesitancy were examined in one model using multiple regression analysis by the Enter method (P= 0.05). Results: COVID-19 anxiety and fear have significant correlations with vaccine hesitancy (Phi=0.33, P=0.017; Phi=0.29, P=0.013, respectively). Anxiety and fear were higher among unhesitating participants (t =2.469, P=0.014; t=2.025, P=0.043, respectively). Participants who had previously been infected with coronavirus were more likely to be hesitant (X2 = 23.126, P=0.000). Participants who scored high in anxiety were more likely to be vaccinated (F=3.979, P=0.019) and have a secondary school or college education (F=4.903 P=0.002). COVID-19 anxiety, gender, and coronavirus infection significantly predicted vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: Anxiety and fear of COVID-19 are among the most important factors correlated with vaccine hesitancy; unhesitant people are more likely to have anxiety and fear. COVID-19 anxiety significantly predicted vaccine hesitancy. We recommend integrating psychological care into vaccination plans to help increase the uptake rate during potential subsequent pandemics. Relevant intervention programs can be designed to help increase vaccine acceptance, deal with vaccine hesitancy, and relieve psychological symptoms during major pandemics. Psychologists can provide awareness messages, counselling seminars, online mentoring, or telemental health outreach.

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Objective: The aim of this study is to examine, for the first time, the mental health literacy of the Saudi general population. Additionally, we aim to identify demographic factors associated with elevated mental health literacy scores. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a phone interview survey with quota sampling was conducted for equal distribution of sexes, age and administrative regions. Mental health literacy was assessed by the previously validated mental health literacy scale (MHLS). The MHLS ranges from 35 to 160, and a higher score indicates greater level of mental health literacy. Results: In this study, 4,547 (70.2%) agreed to complete the interview. The sample was equally distributed across Saudi Arabia's 13 administrative regions with 50.1% female and mean age 35.9 (SD: ±12.8). In terms of education, 55.1% have a bachelor's degree or above. The nationally weighted score on the original MHLS was 110.75. the MHLS Saudi validation score was influenced by various variables including: marital status, healthcare-related job, sex, education level, and proximity to individuals with mental health issues. Conclusion: The study offers data for the first time on Saudi Arabian mental health literacy status. The high MHLS score reflects good societal awareness and understanding of mental health related concepts and issues in the Saudi population. The results of this study set the baseline for mental health literacy in Saudi Arabia. Future research may focus on utilizing the validated MHLS and the method used in this study to explore the effect of other social and individual factors on mental health literacy.

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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to validate the Arabic Version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (Arabic-MHLS) among the Saudi Arabian general population, assessing its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and structural validity. METHODS: A total of 700 Arabic-speaking Saudi adults were randomly selected to complete the electronic questionnaire in May 2023, which generated 544 participants. Data were coded and stored in the ZdataCloud research data collection system database. Test-retest reliability was assessed using a subsample of 48 participants who completed the questionnaire twice, with a one-week interval. Structural validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). RESULTS: The Arabic-MHLS demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.89). EFA revealed a four-factor model closely resembling the model identified in the Slovenian validation of MHLS, with factor loadings ranging from 0.40 to 0.85. The four factors included knowledge of mental health disorders, knowledge of help-seeking, knowledge of self-help strategies, and knowledge of professional help also showed good internal consistency. CONCLUSION: The Arabic-MHLS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing mental health literacy in the Saudi Arabian general population. However, further research is needed to refine the measurement tool and understand the complex relationships between mental health literacy and other mental health-related concepts. This will contribute to the development of targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving mental health literacy and promoting mental well-being in the Saudi Arabian population and beyond.

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BACKGROUND: Anxiety and concern are among the most common problems facing healthcare workers (HCWs) during epidemic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To identify the predictive factors of anxiety, fears, and psychological distress among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An online survey method was used on a sample of 153 of HCWs; (110) frontline and (43) non-frontline HCWs. They answered on the Hamilton anxiety rating scale, the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10), and the COVID-19 Concerns Questionnaire. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that 47.05% of HCWs have a severe level of fear related to COVID-19, 43.13% have very severe anxiety, and 30.71% experience severe psychological distress. The differences between frontline and non-frontline HCWs, female and male HCWs, and HCWs working in medical clinics, on quarantine, or in another place were significant in the three scales. Predictive factors of anxiety, fear, and psychological distress include working on the front lines, being female, and being over 50 years old. Meanwhile, working in a workplace with COVID-19 patients predicted anxiety and psychological distress, but not fears associated with COVID-19. CONCLUSION: HCWs have a high prevalence of symptoms of mental disorders that may interfere with their work. These results may have therapeutic applications during pandemics.

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The neurobehavioral syndrome known as spatial neglect, which could be a result of a brain tumor, is common but difficult to diagnose and manage. This case study describes the evaluation of spatial neglect syndrome psychologically in detail and also builds an initial discussion of the role of the Arabic language, which requires a right-to-left-oriented spatial frame, to understand the severity of the symptoms. We report a case of spatial neglect syndrome after a brain tumor. A 7-year-old boy presented to the CDC clinics with a significant limitation of attention and very poor school achievement. The patient underwent several neuropsychological assessments, including an intellectual IQ test, social and adaptive behavior testing, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder testing, and a battery of neuropsychological tests to detect the presence of spatial neglect, as well as a psychological interview and observation. We present a 7-year-old boy with spatial neglect syndrome who visited the primary children's mental health department. The additional role of the Arabic language could have more of an impact on the symptoms and the proper rehabilitation intervention. After the proper diagnosis and rehabilitation intervention, the child showed a good outcome with regard to his attention and focusing skills as well as his school performance.

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BACKGROUND: Over the past few months, there has been a significant increase in mortality and morbidity due to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Less attention has been paid to stigmatism, psychological well-being, hope, and religiosity, and how these may impact a patient's recovery. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to detect the difference in religiosity, hope, self-stigma, and psychological well-being (PWB) due to demographic variables (age, education level, social status, and level of income). Additionally, the research sought to test the mediation role of religiosity and hope in the relationship between self-stigma and psychological well-being among COVID-19 patients. METHOD: A random sample of 426 COVID-19 patients answered an online questionnaire that contained four scales (Religiosity, Hope, stigma, and PWB). The data collected from the study participants were analyzed quantitatively by using One-way ANOVA, Exploratory Factor Analysis EFA, Confirmatory Factor Analysis CFA, and Structural Equation Model (IBM SPSS statistics 21, and Amos v.25). RESULTS: The current results showed statistically significant differences due to age in hope and well-being, in favor of the sample members belonging to the age group from 30 years old and over old, while there were no differences in religiosity and stigma due to age. There were no differences due to education level in religiosity, hope, stigma, and well-being. Results showed statistically significant differences in well-being in favor of the married group, while there were no differences in religiosity, hope, and stigma due to social status. Regarding the effect of income level in the study variables, the results showed no differences due to religiosity, hope, stigma, and well-being. Moreover, the findings found that both religiosity and hope play a mediating role. CONCLUSION: Religiosity and hope play a mediating role in the relationship between stigma associated with COVID-19 and psychological well-being. These results indicate several strategies to reduce the adverse effects of the stigma associated with COVID-19 and increase well-being among COVID-19 patients.

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BACKGROUND: Misconceptions about ADHD stigmatize affected people, reduce credibility of providers, and prevent/delay treatment. To challenge misconceptions, we curated findings with strong evidence base. METHODS: We reviewed studies with more than 2000 participants or meta-analyses from five or more studies or 2000 or more participants. We excluded meta-analyses that did not assess publication bias, except for meta-analyses of prevalence. For network meta-analyses we required comparison adjusted funnel plots. We excluded treatment studies with waiting-list or treatment as usual controls. From this literature, we extracted evidence-based assertions about the disorder. RESULTS: We generated 208 empirically supported statements about ADHD. The status of the included statements as empirically supported is approved by 80 authors from 27 countries and 6 continents. The contents of the manuscript are endorsed by 366 people who have read this document and agree with its contents. CONCLUSIONS: Many findings in ADHD are supported by meta-analysis. These allow for firm statements about the nature, course, outcome causes, and treatments for disorders that are useful for reducing misconceptions and stigma.

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OBJECTIVE: The controlling of the COVID-19 pandemic is influenced by the precautionary behavior of the community, and such behavior is frequently related to individuals' risk perception. The current study aimed to explore risk perceptions and precautionary behavior in response to COVID-19. METHOD: Qualitative in-depth interviews by telephone were undertaken with 26 participants from three affected cities in an initial stage of the disease outbreak, from May 3 to June 5, 2020. The method of analyzing data was inductive. The results were analyzed using interpretation, categorizing, and thematic analysis. RESULTS: The perception of risk is influenced by numerous individual, community, and cultural factors; these perceptions act as triggers for precautionary behavior, with a tendency to deny risks or react with exaggeration in terms of the precautionary reactions related to COVID-19. The thematic analysis produced two major categories: 1) risk perception and 2) precautionary behavior. The analysis provides essential insight into risk perception and precautionary behavior. CONCLUSION: The risk perceptions and patterns of precautionary behavior could be unreliable, unhealthy, and culturally affected, which would influence the effectiveness of pandemic control measures. Further investigations with more data and including risk perception and precautionary behavior in the national response plan for emergency and crisis are highly recommended. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A greater understanding and ongoing assessment of COVID-19 risk perception could inform policymakers and health professionals who seek to promote precautionary behavior. This could also facilitate early interventions during pandemics.

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The current study was designed to explore the prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) in primary schools in Saudi Arabia. The study collected data from both teachers and parents for 708 primary school pupils attending grades 1-3 (7-9 years old), using DSM-IV criteria of ADHD. The result showed that the overall rate of ADHD was 2.7%, and in particular, the rate of attention types, 2.0%; hyperactive/impulsivity type, 1.4% and combined type, 0.7%. Teachers reported ADHD in a higher frequency than parents. However, applying a combination of reports from teachers and parents, screening of ADHD is likely to be more accurate. These findings highlight the importance of detecting ADHD in pupils at an early age and to develop a specific set of psychological clinical interventions for helping them.

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