Prevalence of Anxiety among Qassim university female medical students during Covid-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and Objectives Anxiety disorders are common but under-recognized psychiatric disorders. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of anxiety and factors associated with anxiety during the Covid 19 pandemic among female medical students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. Methods An online cross-sectional survey, using a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted from August to December 2021. The questionnaire using Google Forms, submitted to the WhatsApp groups of female medical students, gathered personal data and information related to the Covid19 pandemic effects. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used for measuring the severity of anxiety. Results Out of 278 invited students, 179 responded (response rate: 64.4%). Mean age of the respondents was 22.45 (±1.57) years, 89.9% were living with their parents, and 46.9% perceived their academic performance as ‘Good’. A total of 34 (19%) suffered from COVID-19, and 50.3% (n=90) of students reported family members affected by COVID-19, and 24.4% of the affected family members were hospitalized. The prevalence of anxiety among study participants was 26.8% (n=48); 31 (17.3%) participants had moderate and 17 (9.5%) had severe anxiety. The overall median anxiety score was 11 (IQR=21). In the younger age group (18-22 years), those who perceived their academic performance as ’poor or fair, and those living alone or with relatives and friends had higher anxiety scores, and the differences were statistically significant at p=0.042, p=0.018, and p=0.01, respectively. Conclusion Anxiety among female medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic was high. Mental health services including counseling and mental health education in universities are recommended.