Psychological Reactions in a Sample from Saudi Arabia During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised many concerns regarding people’s physical and mental health. The aim of the study is to examine the levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Demographic variables were examined (gender, age, educational level, and work) in relation to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. An online survey was sent to individuals who voluntarily participated in the study anonymously, and a total of 531 people were recruited from Saudi Arabian society (355 females, 176 males). Several analyses were used to detect the levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia and results revealed low levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Anxiety levels in females were higher compared to males; educational level was negatively correlated to depression and anxiety; there was a negative correlation between age and the levels of depression and anxiety; and younger participants reported higher levels of depression and anxiety. In addition, students were more likely to suffer from insomnia compared to employees in both public and private sectors, unemployed participants had higher anxiety levels compared to employees; and finally, a statistically significant difference was found between levels of depression, anxiety and insomnia. Predictions for insomnia can be detected from depression and anxiety variables.