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

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents in Saudi Arabia after the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Approach:
  • Study Design: A multiregional cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adolescents aged 10–18 years in Saudi Arabia.
  • Assessment Tool: Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire–Adolescent version (PHQ−A).
  • Data Analysis: Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify significant factors associated with depressive symptoms.
Key Findings:
  • Atotalof518adolescentswithameanageof16.60yearsparticipated;355(68.5%)haddepressivesymptoms(mild27.4%,moderate19.5%,moderatelysevere13.7%,severe7.9%)and163adolescents(31.5%)reportednoorminimalsymptoms.
Interpretation:

Depressive symptoms among adolescents in Saudi Arabia remain high post-COVID-19.

Limitations:
  • The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias.
  • The cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causality.
Conclusion:

The findings highlight the need for further research on adolescent depression in Saudi Arabia.

Original Source(s)

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

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