Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms and Associated Factors Among Adults Attending Otolaryngology Clinics in Saudi Arabia

Objective Depression and anxiety are common among patients with chronic illnesses and can substantially affect quality of life. Patients with otorhinolaryngology (ENT) conditions may be particularly vulnerable. This study assessed the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among adults attending ENT clinics in Saudi Arabia and identified associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of adults aged ≥18 years attending ENT clinics in Saudi Arabia using a self-administered electronic questionnaire. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using validated Arabic versions of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Factors associated with scores ≥10 were examined using multivariable logistic regression. Results Among 1020 participants, 38.1% (95% CI 35.2-41.2) had moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms and 31.0% (95% CI 28.2-33.9) had moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms. Depression was associated with younger age (aOR 0.96), Western-region residence (aOR 1.49), widowhood (aOR 7.17; n = 7), smoking (aOR 1.85), and psychiatric follow-up (aOR 2.53), while monthly household income of 10 000-20,000 Saudi riyals was associated with lower odds (aOR 0.68). Anxiety was associated with younger age (aOR 0.96), smoking (aOR 1.95), psychiatric follow-up (aOR 2.80), family history of psychiatric illness (aOR 1.41), and tinnitus (aOR 1.75; false discovery rate q = 0.034). No other ENT condition or comorbidity remained associated after adjustment and false discovery rate correction. Conclusion Moderate-to-severe depressive and anxiety symptoms were common among adults attending ENT clinics in this Saudi convenience sample. These findings support consideration of routine mental health screening in ENT settings.