# Prevalence of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Among University Students in Tabuk: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study finds that over 40% of university students in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, show signs of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, with notable differences based on gender, living situation, and academic field.

## Contribution

The study provides new data on OCD symptom prevalence among university students in the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia.

## Key findings

- 41.6% of students showed probable obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms.
- Female students and those in engineering/applied medical sciences had higher OCD symptom rates.
- Fifth-year students had the highest prevalence of probable OCD symptoms at 77.8%.

## Abstract

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that can significantly impair functioning and well-being. While OCD has been extensively studied in various populations, data on its prevalence among university students in the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia remain limited.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among students at Tabuk University and explore their association with demographic and academic characteristics.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2024 to December 2024 among 190 students at Tabuk University. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire including socio-demographic information and the Arabic version of the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 30.0.

Results: Among the participants, 41.6% showed probable OCD symptoms. Female students demonstrated a higher prevalence (45.3%) compared to males (36.9%). Students living alone or with roommates showed higher rates of probable OCD symptoms (54.2% and 50.0%, respectively) compared to those living with family (39.4%). Engineering and applied medical sciences students showed the highest rates of probable OCD symptoms (58.3% and 57.1%, respectively), while medical students showed the lowest (25.8%). Fifth-year students demonstrated the highest prevalence (77.8%).

Conclusion: A considerable proportion of Tabuk University students exhibit probable OCD symptoms, with variations across different demographic and academic characteristics. These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions and support services within the university setting.