Abstract
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 outbreak is worrying for people and society. The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the precautionary measure of social isolation on adults in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was carried out in the Asir region for a period of 5 months from May 2020 to September 2020 to assess the psychological response of the adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic using an anonymous online questionnaire. The questionnaire was adapted from previous research and involved three sections, namely sociodemographic data, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7 Scale). A total score of ≥10 indicates depression and anxiety. Data were analysed using SPSS V.25. RESULTS: Females had higher rates of COVID-19 depression than males. There was a significant correlation between age and home setting and anxiety, and a significant association between marital status and the level of education and depression. There was a significant association between gender and depression and anxiety, while there was no significant association between occupation and income, and depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study clearly show that depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among adults. Females had higher rates of COVID-19 depression and anxiety than males. The findings from this study show that implementing a strategy for the prevention and management of depression and anxiety is highly recommended to minimise the impact of these disorders.