KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVEL OF BIPOLAR DISORDER AMONG SAUDI POPULATION

Authors

  • Mohammed Aljaffer, Jude Haythum Alomairy, Bandar Halil Alyoubi, Hassan Abdulrahim Alsahafi, Tareq Khalil Dawood, Rayan Saleh Alsaud, Anna Abdulmohsen Almutlaq, Manal Salman Aloufi, Ghadi Naif Albarkani, Khames T. Alzahrani Author

Abstract

Introduction: Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression. During manic phases, individuals may experience heightened moods, increased energy, and reduced need for sleep. This is followed by periods of severe depression. Bipolar disorder is one of the top 10 mental disorders affecting young adults globally, accounting for 7.3% of the worldwide disease burden. Despite its prevalence, the condition is still poorly understood, with many misconceptions surrounding its causes and management. Objectives: Our study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness level of bipolar disorder among Saudi population. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out during 2024. Both male and female, aged between 17 and 65 years, who consented to participate. It collects basic demographic data from participants and uses a pre-existing questionnaire distributed via social media. The scoring system involves 11 statements evaluating demographics, knowledge, and awareness, with Likert scale scoring. Participants are categorized into low, moderate, and high levels based on their knowledge and awareness scores. Results: The study assessed the knowledge and awareness of bipolar disorder among 405 participants in Saudi Arabia, revealing significant insights. While an impressive 88.4% reported familiarity with the disorder, 41.5% underestimated its prevalence in society, indicating a potential gap in understanding. Demographic analysis showed that 57.3% of participants were female, with the majority from the Western region (55.3%). Though 72.1% lacked direct experience with mental illness, the primary sources of information were the Internet (69.1%) and social media (63.5%). Notably, 78.3% exhibited limited knowledge of bipolar disorder, underscoring the need for enhanced education despite high awareness levels. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight a significant awareness of bipolar disorder among the Saudi population, yet reveal critical gaps in understanding its complexities and prevalence.

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Published

2025-01-23

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Articles

How to Cite

KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVEL OF BIPOLAR DISORDER AMONG SAUDI POPULATION. (2025). CAHIERS MAGELLANES-NS, 844-855. https://magellanes.com/index.php/CMN/article/view/1259