Haifa K. Abdulghaffar

Background: Depression is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders worldwide. Recurrent episodes are linked to increased morbidity, disability, suicide risk, poorer long-term prognosis, and higher socioeconomic burden. Recent studies suggest associations between depression and intake of certain macro- and micronutrients, such as carbohydrates, fat, Vitamin D, and choline. Aim: This study investigated the association between depression, anxiety, and stress scores and nutrient intake among 273 medical students at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Students completed an online Arabic Food Frequency Questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). The sample included 163 (59.7%) women and 110 (40.3%) men. Results: DASS-21 scores indicated that 59% of students had depression, 55% anxiety, and 48% stress. A high body mass index and greater intake of carbohydrates, sugars, and caffeine were significantly associated with higher depression scores. Anxiety was linked to higher sugar and caffeine intake. The high prevalence of depression and stress was correlated with sedentary lifestyles. Conclusion: These findings support incorporating psychological distress screening into student health services to promote healthier lifestyles and overall well-being.

Background: Existential anxiety (EA) is an expression of loneliness. Although depression, anxiety, and stress have been extensively studied worldwide, research on EA in the sociocultural context of the Arab–Muslim society is scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of EA among undergraduate students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by examining the association between EA and depression, anxiety, and stress. Results: This cross-sectional study of 811 undergraduate students at three large Saudi universities was conducted between June and July 2018. Data collection involved demographic information, EA testing (using a validated questionnaire modified for the Saudi Arabian context), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale to test for depression, anxiety, and stress. The average age of the participants was 21 years, and 77.2% were female. The prevalence of EA was 71.1% in all students and was significantly correlated with depression (rp = 0.73, p < 0.001), general anxiety (rp = 0.47, p < 0.001), and stress (rp = 0.54, p < 0.001). Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of EA among university students in Saudi Arabia, and EA was strongly correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress. This study emphasizes the importance of additional research on the underlying causes of EA among university students.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face several challenges in the healthcare setting. This study defines the challenges experienced by children with autism in hospitals in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire for guardians of autistic children in outpatient clinics, autism support groups, and rehabilitation centers. A total of 199 participants were included. The medical procedures causing the most anxiety to children were injections and getting their blood drawn (68.3%), vital sign measurement (41.6%), and height and weight measurement (37.8%). Long waiting hours (44.1%), increased sensory stimuli (33.2%), and overcrowding of hospital staff (27.9%) were stress-inducing in the healthcare environment. The guardians recommended that loud noises (44.7%), crowdedness (41.2%), and long waiting hours (42.1%) be avoided. The nonverbal children experienced significantly higher levels (p < 0.001) of agitation, irritability, and outbursts during doctor visits than their verbal counterparts. The children with intellectual disabilities were more tense and unresponsive during doctor visits (33.3%) than their intellectually able counterparts, who more frequently were calm and responsive (44.9%) during visits. Most patients with ASD face hardships during hospital visits. Nonverbal patients and those with intellectual disabilities have a higher tendency for hospital setting anxiety-induced outbursts, which may be eased by avoiding loud noise and overcrowding.