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Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the gender-specific difference in the prevalence of depression and anxiety and the help-seeking behavior among gastroenterology outpatients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in gastroenterology clinics in 4 hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between February and September 2013. A self-administrated questionnaire was developed and administered to patients. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaires were used to identify depression and anxiety. Results: A total of 438 patients completed the study questionnaire; 135 (31%) females, and 303 (69%) males. Compared with males, females had more depression symptoms (44% versus 32%, p =0.012), anxiety symptoms (34% versus 24%, p =0.036), anxiety-associated difficulty (65% versus 52%, p =0.012), but similar suicidal thoughts (14% versus 11%, p =0.347). Females had similar gastrointestinal complaints but longer duration of symptoms. In both females and males, the most common first interventions were using medications (63% versus 69%), and undergoing endoscopy (19% versus 15%), while very few patients initially used herbs or Islamic incantation “Roquia” (7% versus 8%). Compared with males, females were more likely to subsequently seek help at private clinics (23% versus 14%, p =0.014), or with a Quran therapist (11% versus 5%, p =0.012). Conclusion: There are clear gender-specific differences in depression and anxiety symptoms and associated perceived difficulty, but modest differences in help-seeking behavior. Female patients at the gastroenterology clinic may deserve more psychological attention to diagnose depression and anxiety and to alleviate their impact.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

203

Last Page

209

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