Research view
Title: | Social phobia among Saudi medical students |
Author: | Ayman A. Elhadad , Mosa A. Alzaala , Rawan S. Alghamdi , Safia A. Asiri , Alyah A. Algarni and Meaad M. Elthabet |
Abstract: |
Background
Social phobia is one of the most common psychological illnesses worldwide. It is defined
as persistent fear of one or more social situations when the person comes under focus.
Objectives
The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of social phobia among medical
students in King Khalid University (KKU) (Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), and its
severity in relation to sex, marital status, and academic level, and also to detect social
phobia risk factors and to determine its negative impact on psychological health and
academic performance of medical students in KKU.
Participants and methods
This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the social phobia scale
by Raulin and Wee, which was validated and translated to Arabic version by Dr Majdi
Aldessoqi. Data was collected from 380 medical students in KKU over 5 months
during the academic year 2015–2016 and analyzed by using the SPSS program.
Results
This study showed that prevalence of social phobia among KKU medical students was
59.5% and was more common in males. Students with high social phobia scores were
found to have decreased academic performance, avoided oral presentation, and
showed weak clinical exam performance. Moreover, there were significant depressive
symptoms among those students with high social phobia score.
Conclusion
The prevalence of social phobia among KKU medical students is high. Risk factors are
modifiable. In this context, increasing the awareness about social phobia among medical
students is crucial. Early detection and intervention is highly recommended to help them.
Keywords:
King Khalid University, medical students, risk factors, social phobia
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Journal: | Middle East Curr Psychiatry 24:68–71 |
Text: | |
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