MENTAL HEALTH HELP-SEEKING IN SAUDI ARABIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

Abstract

Background: Mental illness is common among people in Saudi Arabia. However, most individuals have negative attitudes and perceptions towards mental health illness and do not seek appropriate support. Aim: The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a critical analysis and a synthesis of the literature on the attitudes, perceptions, barriers and facilitators associated with mental health help-seeking practices among people in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, PsychInfo, and Scopus databases according to predefined keywords. A total of 11 studies met the eligibility criteria, and the results were presented using a flow diagram. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to evaluate quality, and the data were extracted into predefined tables, and analysed using narrative synthesis. Results: According to the studies, people in Saudi Arabia have unfavourable attitudes and perceptions towards mental health help-seeking. Five main barriers were identified: stigma; culture and public perception; intrapersonal negative attitudes; service quality and cost; and religious and traditional beliefs. Four factors were identified that encourage help-seeking: perceived need and personal determination; supportive social networks and public awareness; service availability and provider competency; and increased mental health literacy. Conclusion: Self-stigma was the most prominent barrier to the utilisation of mental health services in Saudi Arabia, whereas perceived need was the most prominent facilitator. As a result of this review, various approaches and interventions should be implemented to promote psychological health help-seeking in Saudi Arabia.