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Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health
Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research Article

Predictors of adolescents’ mental health problems in Saudi Arabia: findings from the Jeeluna® national study

Authors: Oraynab Abou Abbas, Fadia AlBuhairan

Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Depression and anxiety among adolescents require further attention as they have profound harmful implications on several aspects of adolescents’ wellbeing and can be associated with life threatening risk behaviors such as suicide.

Objective

To examine the underlying risk factors for feeling so sad or hopeless and for feeling worried among adolescents in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Data from Jeeluna® national survey was used. A cross-sectional, multi-stage, stratified, cluster random sampling technique was applied among a sample of students aged 10–19 years attending intermediate and secondary schools in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire assessing several domains, including feeling so sad or hopeless and worried, was used to collect data. Logistic regression models were fitted to determine the different factors associated with mental health.

Results

A sample of 12,121 students was included in this study. Feeling so sad or hopeless and feeling worried were significantly more prevalent among females and older adolescents (p < 0.0001). The results showed that poor relationship with parents, negative body image, and chronic illness to be significantly associated with feeling so sad or hopeless and worried.

Conclusions

Symptoms suggestive of mental health problems among adolescents in Saudi Arabia are prevalent and deserve special attention. Adopting effective strategies, including regular screening and intervention programs are highly needed to better address, detect, and control early signs of these problems.
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Metadata
Title
Predictors of adolescents’ mental health problems in Saudi Arabia: findings from the Jeeluna® national study
Authors
Oraynab Abou Abbas
Fadia AlBuhairan
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1753-2000
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-017-0188-x

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