TY - JOUR
T1 - Stigma and Help-Seeking Attitudes in Relation to Psychological Distress Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia
AU - Al-Johani, Wejdan M.
AU - Almansour, Abdulelah H.
AU - AlBakr, Dalal M.
AU - Alghirash, Duaa
AU - Alfadhli, Abdulmohsen N.
AU - Almutairi, Raseel B.
AU - Mobarki, Osama A.
AU - Alqasim, Sultan A.
AU - Al-Shammari, Malak A.
AU - Abdelwahab, Moataza M.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Bentham Open..
PY - 2025/9/11
Y1 - 2025/9/11
N2 - Introduction: Psychological distress is common among medical students worldwide. However, psychological stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help. This study explores the association between psychological distress, stigma, and attitudes toward help-seeking among medical students in the unique cultural context of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey distributed to medical students across Saudi Arabia, yielding 1,077 completed responses. Sociodemographic data were collected, along with responses to the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), the Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH-A), and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPH-SF-A). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and factor analysis. Results: Overall, 32.2% of students reported low distress, 34.5% moderate distress, and 33.4% high distress. Female students exhibited higher distress but greater openness to seeking help, while males reported higher stigma. Lower GPA and income were associated with increased distress and reduced help-seeking attitudes. Regional variations were observed, with Najran reporting the highest distress, and Madinah and Qassim showing higher openness to help-seeking. Discussion: Findings are consistent with the international studies, indicating that stigma significantly hinders service utilization despite need. Cultural norms, socioeconomic status, and educational systems further shape attitudes. Digital healthcare transformation in Saudi Arabia offers opportunities to reduce stigma and expand access. Conclusion: Psychological distress and stigma remain prevalent among Saudi medical students, influenced by gender, socioeconomic, and regional factors. Targeted, culturally informed interventions are essential to reduce psychological stigma, promote awareness, and encourage positive help-seeking behaviors within academic environments.
AB - Introduction: Psychological distress is common among medical students worldwide. However, psychological stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help. This study explores the association between psychological distress, stigma, and attitudes toward help-seeking among medical students in the unique cultural context of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey distributed to medical students across Saudi Arabia, yielding 1,077 completed responses. Sociodemographic data were collected, along with responses to the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), the Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH-A), and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPH-SF-A). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and factor analysis. Results: Overall, 32.2% of students reported low distress, 34.5% moderate distress, and 33.4% high distress. Female students exhibited higher distress but greater openness to seeking help, while males reported higher stigma. Lower GPA and income were associated with increased distress and reduced help-seeking attitudes. Regional variations were observed, with Najran reporting the highest distress, and Madinah and Qassim showing higher openness to help-seeking. Discussion: Findings are consistent with the international studies, indicating that stigma significantly hinders service utilization despite need. Cultural norms, socioeconomic status, and educational systems further shape attitudes. Digital healthcare transformation in Saudi Arabia offers opportunities to reduce stigma and expand access. Conclusion: Psychological distress and stigma remain prevalent among Saudi medical students, influenced by gender, socioeconomic, and regional factors. Targeted, culturally informed interventions are essential to reduce psychological stigma, promote awareness, and encourage positive help-seeking behaviors within academic environments.
KW - Help-seeking
KW - Medical students
KW - Mental health
KW - Psychological distress
KW - Psychological stigma
KW - Saudi Arabia
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105018712038
U2 - 10.2174/0117450179414477250905100917
DO - 10.2174/0117450179414477250905100917
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:105018712038
SN - 1745-0179
VL - 21
JO - Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health
JF - Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health
M1 - e17450179414477
ER -