# Common Mental Health Conditions and Self-Stigma Among Saudi Male Adults: Implications for Promotion and Intervention

## TL;DR

This study finds high rates of depression, anxiety, and self-stigma among Saudi men, suggesting a need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the relationship between mental health conditions and self-stigma in Saudi males.

## Key findings

- Over half of the participants experienced depression or anxiety, with 51% showing self-stigma.
- Higher depression and anxiety severity was linked to greater internalized stigma.
- Married men had significantly lower levels of self-stigma.

## Abstract

Background and objectives

Mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, and stress, are highly prevalent globally and pose significant public health challenges. In Saudi Arabia, sociocultural norms often lead to psychological distress and internalized stigma, discouraging men from seeking mental health care. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and self-stigma among Saudi males aged 18 years and above, and to examine their associations with sociodemographic characteristics.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted among 612 male participants aged 18 years and above, residing in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a 49-item online questionnaire covering sociodemographics, the Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the Self-Stigma of Depression Scale (SSDS). Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.

Results

The mean age of participants was 30 ± 12 years, with 68% residing in rural areas and 59% earning more than 10,000 Saudi Riyals (SAR) per month. Based on DASS-21 results, 312 (51%) of participants experienced depression, 306 (50%) had anxiety, and 220 (36%) reported stress. The mean overall self-stigma score was 52 ± 17, with 51% of participants categorized as having stigma. Regression analysis revealed that greater severity of depression, anxiety, and stress was associated with significantly lower self-stigma scores, indicating higher levels of internalized stigma. Conversely, married individuals demonstrated significantly lower levels of internalized stigma.

Conclusions

This study underscores the high prevalence of psychological distress and self-stigmatization among Saudi males. These findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive mental health interventions, stigma-reduction campaigns, and accessible community-based support systems tailored to the cultural context of Saudi Arabia.