Determining the Impact of the COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Saudi Nationals Studying Abroad: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has caused both physical and mental health crises and the highest morbidity and mortality globally. COVID19 pandemic is even worse than the Flue Pandemic of early 1900s. Simultaneously, COVID-19 have been causing great burden on the mental health of the people globally. Individuals outside their country who underwent quarantine, faced difficulties in accessing mental health services, lack of social and family support and resources are more vulnerable to develop mental health disorders during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors and impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of Saudi citizens who study and stay abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted concerning Saudi citizens who were outside the country from August 2020 to September 2020. Six hundred sixty two Saudi citizens who were in host countries completed an online sociodemographic data, self-designed questionnaire, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scales.

Results: More than 60% of the participants had psychiatric symptoms during the pandemic and 34% and 30% had met the diagnostic criteria for depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Females, younger age, single or divorced, and those who were staying alone were more likely to experience psychological symptoms. About 7% were dissatisfied with their abilities or skills to adapt to the changes due to COVID-19 pandemic. More than 75% of the participants strongly expressed that living with other colleagues during the pandemic helped them cope better with the adverse circumstances associated the pandemic outbreak.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had negative psychological impact on Saudi citizens in foreign countries and significant psychological impact was determined by female gender, young age, single or divorced status, and staying alone. These and other findings highlight the need for removing barriers against easily accessible online mental health services, social and family supports, and timely provision of resources.