# The Prevalence and Comorbidities of Self-Reported Mental Health Disorders Among Primary Healthcare Attendees in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

## TL;DR

This study finds that around 2.5% of primary healthcare patients in Riyadh report a mental health disorder diagnosis, with higher rates among younger people, women, and those with chronic conditions.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into mental health disorder prevalence and comorbidities in Saudi Arabia's primary healthcare setting.

## Key findings

- 2.5% of participants reported a prior diagnosis of a mental health disorder.
- Obesity and heart disease were the strongest predictors of mental health disorder diagnoses.
- Younger individuals and women had significantly higher odds of reporting mental health disorders.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported prior diagnosis of mental health disorders and identify their sociodemographic, behavioral, and comorbidity-related determinants among primary healthcare attendees in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 14,239 Saudi residents visiting primary healthcare centers in Riyadh. Univariate analysis (p-value < 0.25) and multivariable logistic regression (p-value < 0.05) were employed to identify independent predictors of self-reported prior diagnosis of mental health disorders. Results: The prevalence of self-reported prior diagnosis of mental health disorders was 2.5% (95% CI: 2.24–2.76%). Multivariable analysis revealed several significant independent predictors. Individuals aged less than 50 years (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.19–1.83, p < 0.001) and females (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.56–2.50, p < 0.001) had significantly higher odds of reporting a prior diagnosis of a mental health disorder. The presence of health insurance was also found to be associated with increased odds (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.48–2.30, p < 0.001). Most importantly, smoking (AOR = 4.45, 95% CI: 3.22–6.15, p <0.001), hypertension (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.61–3.34, p <0.001), obesity (AOR = 9.40, 95% CI: 6.96–12.70, p <0.001), hypercholesterolemia (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.98–4.07, p < 0.001) and heart disease (AOR = 12.74, 95% CI: 9.25–17.56, p < 0.001) all were strong independent predictors of a prior diagnosis of a mental health disorder. Conclusions: The study identifies a measurable burden of self-reported prior mental health diagnoses among primary healthcare attendees in Riyadh, with higher odds observed among younger individuals, women, smokers, and those with chronic physical conditions. These findings highlight the importance of integrating mental health screening and management into primary healthcare services in Saudi Arabia.