Prevalence of Social Phobia among Saudi Medical Students
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- Category: Vol. 85, March 2017
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Prevalence of Social Phobia among Saudi Medical Students, ALYAH A. ALQARNI, MOUSA A. ZALAA, AYMAN A. EL-HADAD, RAWAN S. AL-GHAMDI, SAFIA A. ASIRI, MEAAD M. AL-THABET, AYED M.M. ALQAHTANI and OSSAMA A. MOSTAFA
Abstract
Objectives: To assess prevalence of social phobia among Medical Students at King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to detect related risk factors and to determine its negative impact on students' psychological health and academic performance.
Methods: This study followed a prospective cross-sectional design using the Arabic version of the Social Phobia Scale. A total of 368 medical students at KKU during the academic year (2015-2016).
Results: Prevalence of social phobia among KKU medical students was 60%, being significantly more common among males. Students with high social phobia scores were found to show decreased academic performance, avoid oral presenta-tions, show weak performance at clinical examinations and have depressive symptoms.
Conclusions: Prevalence of social phobia among KKU medical students is high. Raising medical students' awareness about social phobia is necessary. Early detection and provision of psychiatric assistance is highly recommended to control the symptoms and prevent development of depression.