The prevalence of depression among youth in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Depression is a significant mental health issue among youth, particularly in Saudi Arabia. While regional studies exist, no national study has assessed depression prevalence across the entire country. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression among Saudi youth to inform mental health interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia using self-report questionnaires, including the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), to assess depression. Results: A total of 2,787 youth participants were assessed. The average BDI score was 16.49 ± 12.9, and the GHQ-12 score was 15.38 ± 9.0. Forty percent of participants reported normal depression levels, while 5.1% reported extreme depression. About 29.4% showed signs of stress, and 28.6% experienced significant psychological distress. Conclusion: Depression rates varied by region, with a higher prevalence in females. Those who self-identified as depressed but undiagnosed had higher depression scores. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and further research on youth depression in Saudi Arabia.