Factors Associated with Mental Illness in a Primary Healthcare Setting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Case–Control Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Mental health conditions are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a 13% rise within the last decade. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with mental illness in patients presenting to a primary healthcare center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: Data were extracted from the electronic health records of 46 primary care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from March 2022 to March 2023. A total of 2418 age-matched mental health cases and controls were evaluated. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the distribution and association of relevant risk factors. A total of 1209 cases were age-matched to 1209 controls presenting to a primary clinic. Results: The odds of mental illness in females were 2.2 times that of males. Clinical conditions associated with mental illness were stroke, diabetes, and obesity. Neurodegenerative disorders were also associated with mental illness. Conclusions: Primary clinics in the KSA can serve as focal points in removing the barriers to mental healthcare. There is an urgent need to spread awareness, remove the stigma, and provide appropriate care and referrals for mental health conditions in the KSA.