Abstract
Objective: To explore the prevalence of depression and anxiety among tourists in Aseer region, KSA.
Method: This is a cross-sectional study conducted during summer 2017 in Abha city, KSA. A quantitative questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 504 participants who attended Summer recreational activities. The questionnaire included demographic data and screening questions for depression (PHQ9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7). Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS version 25.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 31 +/- 12.5 years; women represented 56%, and 53% were married. More than half of participants (56%) complained of physical symptoms, i.e. chronic headache (14%), chronic joint pain (12%), IBS (10%), and chronic back pain (9%). More than half of participants reported that they visited the PHCC at least once in the past few months. More than two-thirds had depression (68.9%), (59.5%) have GAD, while both disorders affect (28.4%). Mild depression affects (30.4%), moderate depression (19.8%), while severe depression was reported among (18.7%). Regarding GAD, mild anxiety affected (33.3%), moderate anxiety (17.3%), and severe anxiety was reported among (8.9%).
Moderate to severe depression was 38.5%. Women were more affected (44%) than men (31.4%) with a significant difference (p-value = 0.004). Moderate to severe anxiety was more in women (30.3%) compared to men (20.9%) with a significant difference (p-value = 0.018). Age groups did not show significant association with depression or anxiety.
Conclusion and recommendations: This study revealed the high prevalence rates of depression and anxiety among tourists. Most of them complained of physical symptoms, and it could be the cause of frequent health care centres visits. Therefore, depression and anxiety need to be considered in all health care providing levels. Empowering primary mental health care in PHC centres is crucial for providing effective health care for the population.