Medical Science
Volume 25, Issue 114, August 2021
The prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder and symptoms among medical students: A perspective study from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Ahmad M Khalaf1, Salman K Alshuaibi1, Fahad B Bin Abbas1, Saleh A Alwadie1, Nader Alrahili1, Fareha Bano2, Razique Anwer1♦
1College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University
(IMSIU), P.O Box 7544, Riyadh 13317-4233, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
2Department of Biology, College of Science and Arts (Female Branch), Al
Ula campus, Taibah University, Al Ula, Al Madina Province, Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia
♦Corresponding author
Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn
Saud Islamic University (IMSIU),
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
ABSTRACT
Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder portrayed by obsessions and compulsions that are distressing, tedious, or cause significant impedance. The most notable contents of obsessions incorporate excessive worry about contamination and diseases, which are an inducement to medical students since they are constantly exposed during medical school. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder among medical students in Imam University Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and evaluate the common symptoms among those students. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study is based on a questionnaire designed and distributed to medical students of the pre-clinical and clinical years. Results: An overall of 312 medical students have finished the survey, among whom 69.2% were males. The greater parts of the participants (90.4%) were between the ages of 18 and 24, with roughly 27.6% were in their third academic year. Moreover, we found that almost two-thirds of participants were satisfied with their academic performance (64.7%) while (74.7%) were happy with their social life, and 60.9 % did not have difficulties adapting to medical college. According to the Obsessive-Compulsive inventory used in this study, OCD was found to be prevalent in 36.2% of the population. Females and depressed students had considerably higher rates of OCD. Conclusion: OCD is abundant to a large extent among the females, those with depressive symptoms, and stress. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain their wellbeing with proper inductions, continuous support, periodic workshops, interactions with peers, and adjustment with society.
Keywords: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), medical students,
psychiatry disorders, OCD symptoms, Saudi Arabia.
Medical Science, 2021, 25(114), 2088-2095
