Association between obesity and mental disorders among male secondary school students in Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Predictor based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Obesity-related morbidity continues to increase in Saudi Arabia, especially among school students, who constitute a vulnerable population since they can be highly influenced by the western culture and rapid globalization. Aim of Study: To examine the relationship between obesity and negative emotional states among male secondary school students. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among male secondary school students in Abha City, Saudi Arabia during the academic year 2019-2020. A multistage cluster sampling technique was followed by the researchers, in order to recruit participants. The standardized Arabic version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used by the researchers for determining prevalence and levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among participants. Results: Three hundred and ninety eight students participated in the study. Their mean age (±SD) was 16.98±0.93 years. Overweight and obesity was present among 44.2% and 38.4% of participants respectively. The overall prevalence rates for symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among participants were 57%, 64.6% and 39.4%, respectively. There were statistically significant associations between obesity and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress (p<0.001 for all). Conclusions: The burden of overweight and obesity are high among the male secondary school students. Overweight and obesity are associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Therefore, there should be emphasis on implementing interventions to raise awareness about maintaining normal body mass index among the school students and thereby reducing the risk of mental disorders. Key words: Obesity, Mental disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, School students, Saudi Arabia.