Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Help in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review.

Autor:	Alhumaidan NI; College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU., Alotaibi TA; College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Aloufi KS; College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, SAU., Althobaiti AA; College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Althobaiti NSA; College of Medicine and Surgery, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Althobaiti K; College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Almutiri WA; College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU., Alhaqbani K; College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU., Alboqami T; College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU., Albeheiri L; College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU., Alfaisal NF; Family Medicine, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, SAU.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	Cureus [Cureus] 2024 May 15; Vol. 16 (5), pp. e60363. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 May 15 (Print Publication: 2024).
DOI:	10.7759/cureus.60363
Abstrakt:	Globally, mental disorders have become a significant burden, affecting a substantial number of individuals. Accessing mental health services is crucial for effective treatment and improving outcomes. However, significant barriers to seeking health services can impede access and contribute to the treatment gap. This systematic review aims to identify and analyze the perceived barriers to seeking mental health services in Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive search was conducted among four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Science Direct) to identify relevant studies published between 2018 and 2023. Studies that investigated barriers that could prevent psychiatric patients from seeking mental health services in Saudi Arabia were included. Data extraction and synthesis were performed to identify common themes and barriers. The review included a total of six studies that examined barriers to seeking mental health services in Saudi Arabia. The identified barriers encompassed a range of factors, including stigma, lack of awareness, concerns about confidentiality, limited availability of services, negative attitudes toward professional help, and cultural and religious beliefs. The lack of knowledge, as well as the negative attitude toward mental health care, was a perceived barrier to help-seeking in most studies. Furthermore, stigma was consistently reported as a predominant barrier, preventing individuals from seeking mental health care. This systematic review highlights the barriers to seeking mental health services in Saudi Arabia. Addressing these barriers is essential for improving access to mental healthcare and reducing the treatment gap. Strategies should focus on destigmatization efforts, increasing awareness, ensuring confidentiality and privacy, providing culturally appropriate care, and addressing structural limitations. By implementing these strategies, healthcare systems can improve access to mental health care and the overall well-being of individuals experiencing mental disorders in Saudi Arabia. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. (Copyright © 2024, Alhumaidan et al.)
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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