Abstract
The study aimed to explore the influence of the COVID-19 lockdown on the mental status and dietary intake of residents in Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, an online survey was conducted from 11 May to 6 June 2020 corresponding to almost two weeks during and after Ramadan (23 April–23 May 2020). The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to assess anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia among the participants was 25.4%, 27.7%, and 19.6%, respectively. Participants aged ≥50 years with high income (≥8000 SAR) were at a lower risk of developing depression, whereas participants of the same age group with income 5000–7000 SAR were at high risk of developing anxiety. Students and master-educated participants suffer from median elevated depression and are required to take more multivitamins and vitamin D than others. Anxiety and depression were more common among married participants with low income. There is a wide range of Saudi residents who are at a higher risk of mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers and mental healthcare providers are advised to provide continuous monitoring of the psychological consequences during this pandemic and provide mental support.
Highlights
A novel coronavirus was first identified from a cluster of Chinese patients diagnosed with unknown cases of pneumonia in December 2019 [1]
A total of 958 individuals participated in the study with the age of 36.7 ± 13.8 years and Body mass index (BMI) of 26.6 ± 5.6 kg/m2 from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 47% (450) of the study participants were males, and 53% (508)
There is a high prevalence of self-reported anxiety, depression, and insomnia among Saudi adults during COVID-19 lockdown
Summary
A novel coronavirus was first identified from a cluster of Chinese patients diagnosed with unknown cases of pneumonia in December 2019 [1]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common symptoms of Covid-19 include fever (85% of cases), and 45% of cases develop dyspnea, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and lung infiltrates [3]. Of cases progress to severe disease, and about 5% become critically ill while the majority experiences mild to moderate symptoms and recovers within two to six weeks. Symptoms may recur after initial recovery, even for people suffering from mild disease. The number of confirmed novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) deaths globally has surpassed two million [4], with worst outcomes coming from individuals with pre-existing conditions, including Saudi Arabia, where most hospitalized Covid-19 patients have diabetes [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
