Prevalence, sociodemographic and academic correlates of obsessive-compulsive disorder in the students of college of applied medical sciences, Umm Al-Qura university

Abstract

Introduction: The studies suggesting the prevalence of Obsessive-compulsive disorder is scant in the region of Saudi Arabia and more so in a population sample of medical and paramedical students. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in a community sample of students of applied medical sciences. Furthermore, an association between obsessive compulsive symptoms and various sociodemographic variables and several aspects of academic life were investigated. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 404 university students belonging to four departments. Tools used in the study included Obsessive compulsive inventory revised (OCI-R), DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis of OCD and Y-BOCS severity rating scale. The main outcome would be probable obsessive compulsive disorder (OCI-R score>21). The students with >21score were further evaluated for the presence of obsessive compulsive disorder using DSM-IV criteria and Y-BOCS. Results: The prevalence of OCS was 20% [95%CI (19.902–20.098)] with the OCI-R screening tool. Actual prevalence of confirmed OCD was 5.06% [95%CI (4.39–6.12)]. Presence of probable OCD was significantly high [p = 0.002 and 95%CI (1.31–3.53)] in students of laboratory medicine department. A significant association was found between presence of OCS and dissatisfaction with the course selection [p = 0.001, 95% CI (1.38–3.92)], feeling of rejection [p = 0.004, 95%CI (1.39–5.88)] and depressive symptoms [ p = 0.0001 and CI (1.81–4.89)]. Our sample was limited to college age women, therefore the interpretation of prevalence my not be generalizable. Conclusion: The presence of such a disorder is likely to effect academic performance, quality of life and interpersonal relationships hence, identification and treatment at the right time help improve academic performance and quality of life.