Prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents in Saudi Arabia after the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study - Report - MDSpire

Prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents in Saudi Arabia after the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

  • By

  • Moustafa A. Hegazi

  • Duaa H. Abudawoud

  • Turki S. Alahmadi

  • Waleed A. Alghamdi

  • Ali F. Atwah

  • Manal M. Almazrui

  • Raghad A. Alahmadi

  • Muhannad M. Alshuwayki

  • Adi A. Alzahrani

  • Abdulrahman S. Alqahtani

  • Alabbas Horaib

  • Batool A. Al Hussain

  • July 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Assessment of Depressive Symptoms in Saudi Adolescents Post-COVID-19

Overview

This study evaluates the prevalence and contributing factors of depressive symptoms among Saudi Arabian adolescents following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

Adolescent depression is a growing global concern, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to increased isolation and stress among youth. In Saudi Arabia, the reported rates of adolescent depression have varied.

Data Highlights

Depressive SymptomsPercentage
Mild27.4%
Moderate19.5%
Moderately Severe13.7%
Severe7.9%
No or Minimal Symptoms31.5%

Key Findings

  • 68.5% of adolescents reported depressive symptoms post-COVID-19.
  • Significant independent factors associated with depressive symptoms included dissatisfaction with facial appearance (AOR = 3.80) and major life challenges (AOR = 3.39).
  • Academic stress was also a significant factor (AOR = 2.10).
  • The regression model demonstrated an overall accuracy of 80.9% in predicting depressive symptoms.
  • Psychosocial factors were more significantly associated with depressive symptoms than sociodemographic factors.

Clinical Implications

The high prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents post-COVID-19 highlights the need for further investigation into mental health interventions.

Conclusion

This study presents findings on the mental health challenges faced by adolescents in Saudi Arabia following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Rise in Depression and Other Mental Health Disorders in Saudi Youth Following COVID-19 Pandemic
  2. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Risk and protective factors associated with depressive symptoms among school-going adolescents in Malaysia: a cross‑sectional study
  3. BMC Psychiatry, 2026 -- Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Depression Among Adolescents in Cape Verde
  4. Mental health of adolescents, WHO -- Overview
  5. NICE, 2024 -- Overview | Depression in children and young people: identification and management
  6. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Exploring Adolescent Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: A Latent Profile Analysis of Contributing Factors
  7. Mental health of adolescents
  8. Overview | Depression in children and young people: identification and management | Guidance | NICE
  9. Fluoxetine, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Their Combination for Adolescents With Depression

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