Population In Qatar Research Articles

Arsenic, cadmium, and lead contents of rice imported into Qatar-impact on intake

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine arsenic, cadmium and lead contents of rice imports and to estimate their impact on these heavy metal intakes in Qatar.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 30 rice samples imported from various countries (Vietnam, Thailand, India, Pakistan, the USA, Australia, the UK and Lebanon) were analyzed for arsenic, cadmium and lead contents with plasma optical spectrometer. These heavy metal intakes from rice were estimated for Qatar population based on the per capita consumption of rice as per 2018 rice consumption data.FindingsIn all rice samples, mean concentrations of arsenic, cadmium and lead were 1.11 mg/kg, 19.7 µg/kg and 131.3 µg/kg, respectively. Average arsenic, cadmium and lead contents were the highest in rice imported from Thailand (1.25 mg/kg), Vietnam (30 µg/kg) and India (178.3 µg/kg), respectively. Estimated arsenic, cadmium and lead intakes through rice consumption by Qatari population were 225.7, 4 and 26.7 µg/day, respectively.Originality/valueIn all rice imports, arsenic content is approximately 5.5 times higher than the maximum allowable concentration (MAC), whereas the cadmium and lead levels are within the MAC. Because these heavy metals are linked to health, all Middle Eastern countries that import rice from Thailand, Vietnam and India should monitor the metal contents in their food supply on a regular basis.

A study of genetic analysis using novel rapidly mutating Y-STR multiplex for Qatari population

Differentiating male lineages using non-recombining Y-chromosomal genetic markers is highly informative for tracing human migration and for forensic studies. The aim of this study was to develop allelic frequency to evaluate the resolution power of Rapidly Mutating Y-STR (RMY-STR) on Qatar population in comparison to Worldwide population. In Qatari population the haplotype resolution of 100 % was achieved. The set of 13 RMY-STR markers showed remarkable haplotype resolution power in the Qatar population, high gene diversity and sufficient robustness. The novel multiplex PCR reaction wasused to type 250 samples from unrelated Qatari males. A total of 250 different haplotypes were det, with no shared haplotypes between individuals. The overall haplotype diversity (HD) was 100 %. It was found that the markers which contributed the most toward high HD were DYF399S1 and DYF403S1a/b. FST values were generated and AMOVA test performed between Qatar population and Middle Eastern/several worldwide population data sets were undertaken for FST values; geography was found to account considerably for the pattern of population sub structuring, although some discrepancies were observed in the relationship between geographical and genetic distance.

Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin: Is not an Early Marker Inductor for Diabetic Nephropathy in Qatari Population

According to the 2017 report of the International Diabetes Federation, about 16.5% of the adult population of Qatar is expected to be diabetic, while 513 deaths are estimated to be due to diabetes..

Effect of prepregnancy maternal BMI on adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: results from a retrospective cohort study of a multiethnic population in Qatar

BackgroundGiven the small number of studies on the topic, we aimed to identify the impact of prepregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) on adverse pregnancy outcomes (POs) in a low-risk,...

The clinical and genetic characteristics of permanent neonatal diabetes (PNDM) in the state of Qatar.

BackgroundNeonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare condition that occurs within the first six months of life. Permanent NDM (PNDM) is caused by mutations in specific genes that are known for their expression at early and/or late stages of pancreatic beta‐ cell development, and are either involved in beta‐cell survival, insulin processing, regulation, and release. The native population in Qatar continues to practice consanguineous marriages that lead to a high level of homozygosity. To our knowledge, there is no previous report on the genomics of NDM among the Qatari population. The aims of the current study are to identify patients with NDM diagnosed between 2001 and 2016, and examine their clinical and genetic characteristics.MethodsTo calculate the incidence of PNDM, all patients with PNDM diagnosed between 2001 and 2016 were compared to the total number of live births over the 16‐year‐period. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) was used to investigate the genetic etiology in the PNDM cohort.ResultsPNDM was diagnosed in nine (n = 9) patients with an estimated incidence rate of 1:22,938 live births among the indigenous Qatari. Seven different mutations in six genes (PTF1A, GCK, SLC2A2, EIF2AK3, INS, and HNF1B) were identified. In the majority of cases, the genetic etiology was part of a previously identified autosomal recessive disorder. Two novel de novo mutations were identified in INS and HNF1B.ConclusionQatar has the second highest reported incidence of PNDM worldwide. A majority of PNDM cases present as rare familial autosomal recessive disorders. Pancreas associated transcription factor 1a (PTF1A) enhancer deletions are the most common cause of PNDM in Qatar, with only a few previous cases reported in the literature.

Relationships between sleep patterns and metabolic profile in patients maintained on antipsychotics: a cross-sectional comparative study.

BackgroundDisturbances in sleep duration and quality have been associated with obesity and other metabolic changes. Patients with mental disorders (MD) are known to have more sleep problems, and antipsychotics (AP), used in the treatment of these patients, can also cause weight gain. This study aimed to compare the self-reported sleep patterns between psychiatric patients (on or off AP) and controls. We also evaluated the associations between the clinical and metabolic profiles with short or long sleep duration.MethodsA total of 339 subjects was recruited: Mentally ill patients maintained on AP for at least six months (MD+AP, n=112), patients not taking AP for at least the last six months before enrollment (MD/noAP, n=101), and non-psychiatry controls (HC, n=126). Multinomial regression analysis was applied to find the predictors of irregular sleep duration in this sample.ResultsMore mentally ill patients (MD+AP and MD/noAP) reported a sleep duration of >8 hrs than HC. Patients from MD/noAP showed more insomnia than HC. Sleep disturbances were significantly more frequent in MD+AP than HC. Participants who reported sleeping >8 hrs had higher body mass index and waist circumference than those who slept <7 hrs.ConclusionFemale gender, central obesity and being mentally ill were independently associated with long sleep duration (>8h) in the population of Qatar.

The Impact of Technostress Components on the Employees Satisfaction and Perceived Performance

The present study investigates the effects of technostress creators and inhibitors on job satisfaction, organizational commitment and perceived performance. A research model derived from the Transaction-Based Model of Stress and Coping Theory was developed and tested using a web-based survey questionnaire. The variables considered are technostress creators, technostress inhibitors, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and perceived performance. A Structural Equation Model using a convenience sample from Qatar population was used to test the model. The results show that organizational commitment has a significant positive effect on perceived performance. Job satisfaction has a significant positive effect on organizational commitment. Technostress creators have a significant negative effect on job satisfaction. Technostress inhibitors have a significant positive effect on job satisfaction. Implications for managers and researchers are reported.

Social Suffering and Structural Violence: Nepali Workers in Qatar

Some 400,000 unskilled and prevalently male Nepali labourers work in Qatar as per an agreement between the governments of the two countries. They are the lowest level of the genetically engineered pyramid of some two million migrant workers that represent some 90 per cent of the resident population in Qatar. The pyramid and the myriad forms of exploitation and discrimination that go with it are functional to Qatar’s development agenda and in particular preparations for the 2022 football World Cup. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Nepal and Qatar, this chapter analyses social transformations in rural Nepal, the exploitative regulation of migration and the human condition of Nepali migrants in Qatar as well as the meanings ascribed to it. We look at the pressure exerted by international organisations, namely the International Labour Organization (ILO) and international trade unions, that led to reforms recently introduced by Qatar and reflect on the longer-term implications, if and when the ‘brave new world’ of Qatar no longer requires an extensive migrant presence.

Lifetime prevalence and potential determinants of psychotic experiences in the general population of Qatar.

To estimate the lifetime prevalence and potential determinants of psychotic experience(s) (PEs) in the general population of Qatar - a small non-war afflicted, conservative, high-income, middle-eastern country with recent rapid urbanization including an influx of migrants. A probability-based sample (n = 1353) of non-migrants and migrants were interviewed face-to-face and administered a 7-item psychosis screener adapted from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, the Kessler 6-item psychological distress scale, and the 5 items assessing odd (paranormal) beliefs and magical thinking (OBMT) from the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. Using bivariate and logistic regression analyses, lifetime prevalence rates of PEs were estimated then compared before and after adjustment for socio-demographics, Arab ethnicity, psychological distress, and OBMT. Prevalence of PEs was 27.9%. Visual hallucinations were most common (12.8%), followed by persecutory delusions (6.7%) and auditory hallucinations (6.9%). Ideas of reference (3.6%) were least prevalent. PEs were significantly higher in Arabs (34.7%) compared with non-Arabs (16.4%, p < 0.001) with the exception of ideas of reference and paranoid delusions. Female gender was associated with a higher prevalence of PEs in the Arab group only (p < 0.001). Prevalence of PEs was significantly higher among Arabs (48.8% v. 15.8%, p < 0.001) and non-Arabs (35.2% v. 7.3%, p < 0.001) with OBMT. Arab ethnicity (OR = 2.10, p = 0.015), psychological distress (OR = 2.29 p = 0.003), and OBMT (OR = 6.25, p < 0.001) were independently associated with PEs after adjustment for all variables. Ethnicity, but not migration was independently associated with PEs. Evidence linking Arab ethnicity, female gender, and psychological distress to PEs through associations with OBMT was identified for future prospective investigations.

Prevalence and potential determinants of subthreshold and major depression in the general population of Qatar

BackgroundThere is a paucity of epidemiological studies of depression in war-free Arab countries. This study estimated the prevalence and potential determinants of Subthreshold (SUBDE) and Major Depressive Episode (MDE) in migrants and non-migrants typical of Qatar and neighboring Gulf countries. MethodsA telephone survey of a probability-based sample of 2,424 participants was conducted in February 2017. The sample was divided based on nationality and income: Low-Income Migrants (LIMs), High Income Migrants (HIMs), and non-migrants or Qatari Nationals (QNs). Participants completed the nine-item Physician Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Ethnicity, sociodemographics, health- and work-related information was collected. Bivariate and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used. ResultsOverall prevalence of any depression ranged between 4.2% (95% CI: 3.3–5.3) and 6.6% (95% CI: 5.4–7.9) for a cut-off of 12 and 10, respectively. The diagnostic algorithm for SUBDE and MDE resulted in estimates of 5.5% (95% CI: 4.4–6.8) and 3.6% (95% CI: 2.8–4.5), respectively. SUBDE, but not MDE rates, were significantly increased in LIMs (OR=2.96, p = 0.004) and HIMs (OR = 2.00, p = 0.014) compared with non-migrants. Arab ethnicity was significantly associated with SUBDE: relative to South Asians (OR = 3.77, p < 0.001) and other ethnicities (OR = 3.61, p = 0.029). Arab ethnicity was significantly associated with MDE: relative to South Asians (OR = 10.42, p < 0.001) and South East Asians (OR = 3.54, p = 0.007). LimitationsClinical diagnostic interviews for depression were not included. ConclusionUsing the PHQ-9, depression prevalence in Qatar was comparable to general population estimates from Western countries. Migrant status and ethnicity were associated with SUBDE and MDE with implications for early screening and community intervention.

Phenotypic characteristics and diagnostic outcomes of patients presenting with and without seizure-related neurocysticercosis: A cross-sectional analysis of tertiary hospital episodes in Qatar (2015–2018)

Background: In resource-poor settings, neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common cause of acute presentation with seizures. There remains an uncertainty regarding its changing epidemiology in resource-rich settings such as Qatar. Patients and Methods: We carried out a retrospective review of case notes and electronic records of 2450 patients presenting to an acute admissions unit with suspected NCC between January 2015 and May 2018. Results: Of the 2450 records reviewed, 26 cases satisfied the Del Brutto criteria for NCC. The mean age at presentation was 31 ± 9.74 years, made up of an entirely male population. There was a higher proportion of patients (n = 20) presenting with seizures 76.9%, of which the most dominant subtype was generalized tonic–clonic seizures 73.7% (n = 14). Advancing age and intracerebral calcifications were associated with an increased risk of having seizures (confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–18.8, P = 0.019, and CI: 0.034–0.9, P = 0.036, respectively). Conclusion: The migrant population in Qatar continues to account for the preponderance of NCC morbidity with seizure, in its various phenotypes, the most common mode of presentation. To our knowledge, this is the most up-to-date account of this disease with interesting and changing demographics in this part of the world.

Dietary exposure of the Qatari population to food mycotoxins and reflections on the regulation limits.

The article estimates the exposure of the population of Qatar to aflatoxins, fumonisins and ochratoxins, measured in food samples collected from the markets of Doha. The mycotoxin extractions were performed using the "Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe" Method (QuEChERS) and the extract measured with LC-MS/MS. High contamination with aflatoxins was detected in Nuts and Spices (e.g. 534.15 ng/g and 371.6 ng/g respectively). The estimated daily intake (EDI) level was estimated using statistical data on average Qatari population. Additionally, the probability to exceed TDI was calculated for fumonisins and ochratoxins. The results indicate high exposure to aflatoxins (with alarming values of margin of exposure, i.e. MoE). The article points to the necessity of a regular assessment and reevaluation of the concentration limits allowed in food products accounting for statistics on the population (i.e. food consumption), economic growth of the country, and monitoring of mycotoxin contamination of food as much as technological, financial and human resources of a country allows.

PDB115 - IS USING MMAS-8 ALONE RELIABLE AND NONBIAS WHEN MEASURING MEDICATION ADHERENCE?

One of the most common reasons for uncontrolled diabetes medicine (DM) is non-adherence to medications. There is currently an alarming increase in the prevalence of Type 2 DM among the adult population in Qatar. Previous studies suggested that the efficacy of medication adherence interventions might be improved by applying the Stages of Change theory of behavior change. In this study, we aimed to assess the social desirability bias while using MMAS-8 among Type 2 DM patients in Qatar. MMAS-8 was the main method used to measure adherence level among T2DM. In order to ensure that social desirability bias while using MMAS-8 was not a prominent limitation, proportion of days covered (PDC) was used to calculate medication adherence for participants who had sufficient data (n=117). PDC is a conservative objective measure of adherence (i.e. number of days in the period covered / the number of days in the time period) × 100. A percentage of 80% or higher obtained from PDC is considered high adherence. An interrater reliability analysis using the Kappa statistic was performed to determine consistency and degree of agreement between MMAS-8 and PDC when measuring medication adherence. PDC was calculated for 117 participants, and the results indicated a significant moderate agreement between MMAS-8 and PDC’s assessment of medication adherence [κ = 0.436; (p < 0.001), 95% CI (0.504, 0.848)]. The scores obtained from PDC were similar to those obtained from MMAS-8, suggesting social desirability biases were unlikely to have been important.

Understanding the association between cell phone use while driving and seat belt noncompliance in Qatar using logit models

ABSTRACTCell phone use while driving can distract the driver and can lead to serious traffic safety problems. Similarly, not using a seat belt can increase the risk of injuries and/or fatalities in the event of a crash. The objective of this study is to identify the rate of cell phone use as well as the rate of seat belt noncompliance in Qatar and to investigate the association between the two. A total of 7,982 vehicles were observed at 40 intersections. The overall rate of seat belt noncompliance was 16.4%, and the overall rate of cell phone use while driving was 10.7%. Logit models were developed to identify the factors that affect the use of cell phones and seat belts, and a significant association was found between the two. The results of the study show that people driving sport utility vehicles are less likely to wear seat belts than those using other types of vehicles and more likely to use their cell phones while driving. In addition, male drivers are more likely than female drivers to wear seat belts and less likely to use their cell phones while driving. Furthermore, young drivers are less likely to wear seat belts than older drivers and more likely to use their cell phones while driving. The results of this study can help policy makers and public agencies to understand the profiles of drivers who use cell phones while driving and who are also noncompliant with seat belt use. This information can help in identifying the proper countermeasures and the targeted population in both Qatar and similar countries in the region.

Public Awareness and Perceptions about Diabetes in the State of Qatar.

IntroductionDiabetes is a well-known global public health challenge affecting millions globally. The aims of this study are to examine the community diabetes knowledge, perceptions, and awareness among the public in Qatar regarding (1) disease symptoms, risk factors, complications, prevention, and associated behaviors, and (2) local diabetes campaigns and available services or resources.MethodsThis study involved a total of 501 respondents selected through purposive sampling from major public malls and public places in Doha, Qatar between February and May 2015. Data were gathered by face-to-face interview utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire. Results were analyzed using count, percentage, median, chi-square test, z-test on proportion and logistic regression. The analysis was carried out at 5% level of significance using SPSS version 22 (IBM Corporation, Chicago, IL, USA).ResultsAbout 92% of participants knew at least one type of diabetes. Over 43.9% were physically active for 1–3 days per week. Highest proportion of the population perceived blindness (86%) as the top complication; frequent urination (58%) and excessive thirst (41%) as primary symptoms; hereditary factors (74%) and obesity (74%) as the top risk factors; and exercise (77%) and diet (72%) as among the preventive measures. Demographic overview of diabetes and lifestyle factors showed that the odds of obtaining screening tests were higher among females (OR=1.7, P=0.003), age 35–45 (OR=2.2, P=0.003), age ≥55 (OR=4.1, P<0.001) and married (OR=3.0, CI=2.0–4.6, P<0.001) compared with their respective counterpart groups.ConclusionsThe general population in Qatar require more awareness and education about diabetes prevention and associated risk factors. This could be achieved by implementation of more public health campaigns to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Periodontal status among patients with type II diabetes in a newly developing country

Background: Type II diabetes is becoming an epidemic among the population of Qatar. Patients with type II diabetes are more prone to periodontal disease. Metabolic derangement and poor quality of life are related to deterioration in the periodontal status. Objective: The aim of the current study is to estimate the prevalence of periodontal disease among patients with type II diabetes in Doha, Qatar. Study Design: This was observational cross-sectional study. Methods: One hundred and eighty patients with II diabetes were included in the study. Data were collected from participant medical records. The dental examinations consisted of a full-mouth assessment including the number of remaining teeth, assessment of periodontal status using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index: To determine the impact of dental caries on the teeth. Similarly, the World Health Organization community periodontal index was used to determine the periodontal status of the patients. Information on metabolic parameters including glycosylated hemoglobin A1C values was collected from the participants' medical files. Results: A total of 49 (36.6%) participants had periodontal pocket of 4–6 mm, more than a third 46.6 (38.3%) of the participants had one tooth missing, around 52 (29%) patients had filled teeth, more than a third 72 (40%) of the participants had poor oral hygiene, two-third 120 (66.6%) had gingivitis, 71 (39%) periodontitis, and 66 (36.6%) dental caries. DMFT score showed that the majority of participants had decayed teeth 136 (75, 6%), 113 (63, 1%) had missing teeth, and 27 (15%) had teeth with total crown destruction. The mean DMF index was 6.3. Conclusion: Periodontitis was common among patients with type II diabetes in Qatar.

Diagnostic Delay and Associated Clinical Features of Tuberculosis among Adult Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Doha, Qatar

Background: Tuberculosis is currently the world’s leading cause of death arising from a single infectious condition. While T cell mediated immunity is recognized to have a major contribution to tuberculosis activation, the present investigation confirmed that TB was more prevalent among patients with acute myeloid rather than lymphoid leukemia and such association was frequently overlooked. The primary objective of this study is to estimate the diagnostic delay of tuberculosis among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and compare it to the general population in Qatar. Secondary objective is to study the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of tuberculosis in patients with AML. Methods: This is a retrospective study of tuberculosis cases diagnosed in subjects with AML during the period from January 2008 till December 2016. Results: Among 215 subjects with AML identified during the study period, 12 (5.58%) received the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The estimated incidence of tuberculosis among AML cases was 7.14 cases per 1000 per year. The mean delay in diagnosis of tuberculosis was 64.2 days (95% CI: 26.8 - 101.5) and the median was 45 days (interquartile range; Q1 - Q3, 29.5 - 97.5). Prolonged fever was the most common presentation (100% of cases). Parenchymal lung involvement was the most common radiologic abnormality (83.3% of cases). Three patients (25%) died and 8 patients completed 9 to 12 months of anti-tuberculous treatment with clinical and radiological remission. Conclusion: Infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis are not uncommon in patients with AML especially in patients from tuberculosis endemic regions. It constitutes a diagnostic challenge so high index of suspicion is of paramount importance.

Impact of Changing Lifestyle on Municipal Solid Waste Generation in Residential Areas: Case Study of Qatar

Qatar currently has one of the highest per capita municipal waste generation in the world. The continuous increase in household wastes, and overfilled landfills threaten available spaces for urban development programmes in the country. Consequently, this study examined the lifestyle factors that have led to high municipal solid waste generation in the country. Data were gathered from both primary and secondary sources. Considering the sociocultural factors in the country, the convenience sampling technique was adopted. Thus, questionnaires were administered via online survey. At the end of the survey, 68 responses were received, and utilized for the study. The analysis of Data used the descriptive and inferential statistical tools via the SPSS 24 software. Descriptive tools used are frequency tables, bar-diagrams, line graphs, pie charts, averages, and relative importance index while Pearson Correlation was used to make inferences. The study observed a direct relationship between the increasing population in Qatar and the high municipal solid waste generation; and that 50% of the respondents have household sizes of between 4-7 persons. Over 90% of the respondents have university education. The RII result of 3.514 out of 5 showed that kitchen waste accounts for over 70% of the household wastes in Qatar. This is followed in rank by nylon wastes while plastic wastes ranked third. Other waste components are paper and cardboard, glass, and wood and furniture. The calculated average daily waste generated per capita is 1.135 kg. The study gathered that the municipalities, at no cost to the residents, mostly collect household wastes and most of the respondents do not sort their household wastes before disposal. With a Pearson Correlation coefficient value of 0.305 at 0.05 significant level, the study indicated a moderate positive relationship between household size and waste generated from the households. Other socio-economic lifestyle variables such as income level, education factor, and age did not prove to have such significant relationship with municipal solid waste in the area. The study recommended that in addition to coordinated sensitization programmes of waste sorting from the source, the government should set a weight limit of 7kg/household per day. Any household whose wastes exceed this set level should be charged for per kilogram on the extra weight at the end of each month.

Prevalence and molecular profiling of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) among healthy blood donors from different nationalities in Qatar.

BackgroundThe Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis. EBV is highly prevalent lymphotropic herpesvirus and has been linked to several malignancies. Transmission is generally by oral secretions, but can be through blood transfusions and organ transplantations. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, viremia rates, and circulating genotypes of EBV in healthy blood donors in Qatar.MethodsBlood samples from 673 blood donors of different nationalities residing in Qatar (mainly Qatar, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Pakistan, and India) were collected and tested for anti-EBV capsid (VCA; IgG & IgM), nuclear (EBNA; IgG), and early (EA-D; IgG) antigens. Avidity testing was determined when active infection was suspected. DNA was extracted from the buffy coat and subjected to EBV-DNA quantification using qRT-PCR. Genotyping was performed using nested-PCR targeting EBV-EBNA2 gene, and phylogeny by sequence analysis of the LMP-1 gene.Results97.9% (673/659) of the samples were seropositive as indicated by the presence VCA-IgG, while 52.6% (354/673) had detectible EBV-DNA. EBV seroprevalence and viremia rates increased significantly with age. Genotyping of 51 randomly selected samples showed predominance of Genotype 1 (72.5%, 37/51) as compared to genotype 2 (3.5%), and mixed infections were detected in 4% of the samples. Sub-genotyping for these samples revealed that the Mediterranean strain was predominant (65.3%), followed by B95.8 prototype and North Carolina strains (12.2% each), and China1 strain (6%).ConclusionAs a first study to evaluate EBV infection in highly diverse population in Qatar, where expatriates represent more than 85% of the population, our results indicated high seroprevalence and viremia rate of EBV in different nationalities, with genotype 1 and Mediterranean strain being predominant. Clinical significance of these finding have not been investigated and shall be evaluated in future studies.

Stigma associated with mental illness: perspectives of university students in Qatar.

BackgroundStigma in relation to mental illness is one of the main factors inhibiting people from seeking help. Studies have been undertaken looking into the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) about mental illness among residents in Qatar; however, none have looked specifically at students in higher education. The aim of this study was to understand the KAB toward mental illness among students at a Qatari university and determine if there are any differences based on gender, nationality, and college type.MethodsA convenience sample of students from all genders, colleges, and nationalities was approached to participate in a survey that consisted of four sections: demographic, beliefs, attitudes, and help-seeking and treatment preferences associated with mental illness. Chi-square testing was performed to test for differences in the distribution of proportions of our primary outcomes (students’ beliefs, attitudes, and help-seeking and treatment preferences).ResultsA total of 282 students completed the survey. The majority of the participating students were females (59.3%), non-Qataris (64.3%), and enrolled in science-based colleges (62.7%). Beliefs reflecting poor mental health literacy, such as “medications to treat mental illness can cause addiction”, “mental illness is not like any other illness”, or that “mental illness is a punishment from God”, were reported by a majority of students (84.4%, 56.7%, and 50.2%, respectively). Stigmatizing attitudes that were endorsed by a majority of students included believing that people with mental illness cannot have regular jobs (60.2%), that people with mental illness are dangerous (65.7%), and that they would not marry someone with a mental illness (88.9%). Additionally, 33.6% of students indicated they would be ashamed to mention if someone in their family or they themself, had a mental illness. A vast majority of students (86.3%) indicated to prefer family and friend’s support as treatment options. Significant differences in KAB about mental illness between genders, colleges, and college type were found only for a few items.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that a high percentage of students reported KAB about mental illness, that are considered stigmatizing. Students’ KAB about mental illness was consistent with that reported by the general population in Qatar. Nevertheless, the sample was small and as such, larger studies from a randomly selected population are needed to confirm these findings.