Prevalence of anxiety and depression among university students in Southern Saudi Arabia based on a cross sectional survey

Students face more challenging conditions as they move forward with their education. As a result of these negative circumstances they are more vulnerable to mental disorders like anxiety and depression. Thus, the study's goal was to determine the symptoms of anxiety and depression among King Khalid University students in Saudi Arabia's southern region. A descriptive online institution-based cross-sectional survey design was conducted among students of King Khalid University for a period of 3 months from 20.12.2023 to 29.02.2024 to assess anxiety and depression among university students. This study utilized the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7 Scale) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess anxiety and depression, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and Chi square was performed to determine the significant associations between the variables.Out of 323 students, 176 (54.49%) were female, and 147 (45.51%) were male. Overall, there were 43 students (13%) with depressed symptoms and 32 (9.9%) with anxiety symptoms. On the PHQ Scale, eleven students (3.4%) reported having a severe depression (scoring 20 to 27). On the GAD-7 scale, 15 students (4.6%) (score: 15 to 21) were found to have severe or extremely severe anxiety. In the depression group, a significant correlation was discovered with the study year (χ2 = 10.158, df = 4, p = 0.038) and smoking habit (χ2 = 3.614, df = 1, p = 0.057). In the anxiety group, there was a significant correlation with study year (χ2 = 18.920, df = 4 p = 0.001), duration of sleep per day (less than 6 h, 6 to 8 h, more than 8 h) (χ2 = 10.816, df = 2 p = 0.004) and smoking habit (χ2 = 4.253, df = 1, p = 0.039). The association between depression and smoking behaviors [OR = 0.355; 95% CI = 0.114-1.105, p = 0.074] and food source (homemade food) [OR = 0.418; 95% CI = 0.174-1.002, p = 0.051] fell slightly short of statistical significance. In relation to anxiety, smoking behaviors [OR = 0.230; 95% CI = 0.049-1.084, p = 0.063] also showed an association that approached but did not reach statistical significance. Even though this study reports a low prevalence of anxiety and depression, and the incidence rate of anxiety among students is not as high as seen elsewhere, it is nonetheless concerning. Promotion of students' mental health needs to be given a high priority by universities and other higher education institutions.