ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS ON SKIN HEALTH: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AMONG THE POPULATION OF SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Introduction: The brain and skin have similar embryonic origins, suggesting a relationship between psychological stress and skin diseases. Psychological stress, characterized by negative emotional experiences and neuroendocrine responses, is known to exacerbate a variety of skin problems. Stress can affect the skin through decreased immunity, poor barrier function, and skin imbalance. While the relationship between stress and skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema are well-established, few studies have examined this relationship in the general population in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the impact of psychological stress on skin health among the population in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: From July to December 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. Participants were selected from among Saudi and non-Saudi citizens residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who are at least eighteen years old via social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, and Snapchat. After examining relevant studies, a structured questionnaire was created and made available in both Arabic and English. First, a pilot study was conducted with twenty participants to evaluate the comprehensiveness and clarity of the questions. Answers were entered into Microsoft Excel after data collection, and SPSS version 25 was subsequently used for statistical analysis.

Results: In this cross-sectional study involving 1,045 participants in Saudi Arabia, significant findings emerged regarding the impact of psychological stress on skin health. The sample, predominantly young and female (81.4%), revealed high levels of perceived stress, with 77.7% reporting moderate stress and 9.2% experiencing high stress. Notably, there was a significant prevalence of skin conditions, including acne (36.7%) and hair loss (39.6%). The analysis indicated that perceived stress levels were significantly related to age, marital status, education, and occupational status, while self-reported skin complaints correlated with marital status and treatment status, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions in this demographic. Conclusion: The high prevalence of dermatological conditions, particularly among younger individuals and females, highlights the need for targeted interventions that address both psychological and dermatological health