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Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8917-209X
AccessType
Open Access Dissertation
Document Type
dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Program
Nursing
Year Degree Awarded
2025
Month Degree Awarded
February
First Advisor
MemNun Seven
Second Advisor
Kalpana poudel-Tandukar
Third Advisor
Nicole Vankim
Subject Categories
Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Abstract
Background: The number of Saudi nationals immigrating to the U.S. continues to increase. Saudi women immigrants may be at increased risk for mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, due to immigration-related stressors such as language difficulties, family separation, and cultural adjustment. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure anxiety and depression levels in Saudi women living in the U.S. and to assess factors affecting their intention to seek mental health services in the U.S. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using online self-reported surveys. The study included a convenience sample of 160 Saudi women living in the U.S. Data was collected through social media and Saudi Arabian support groups from September 2021 to March 2022. Results: Depression and anxiety rates were 41.9% and 33.8%, respectively. Women whose time spent in the U.S. was longer and those who came for work or seeking treatment had a higher intention to seek mental health services. Saudi women with low mistrust of mental health staff and services in the U.S. strongly intended to seek mental health services. Anxious women reported lower intention to seek mental health services. Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of depression (41.9%) and anxiety (33.8%) among Saudi women in the U.S. The level of depression was not related to the Saudi women’s intention to seek mental health services, while the anxiety level was negatively correlated with the Saudi women’s intention to seek mental health services. These findings show the need for further research and interventions to design and evaluate strategies to improve the mental health of Saudi immigrants living in the U.S.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/32943549
Recommended Citation
"Mental Health Burden and Attitudes and Intention to Seek Mental Health Services in Saudi Women Living in the United States" (2023). Doctoral Dissertations. 2724.
https://doi.org/10.7275/32943549
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations_2/2724
Included in
Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons