Perception and behavior toward neuropsychiatric disorders in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and quality assessment
Authors: Woodman Alexander , Waheed Khawaja Bilal , Al-Ansari Rehab Y , Ahmad Shakil , Rehman Tanzeel Ur , Rasheed Mohammad , Jaoua Nizar 
Published: June 2024

This systematic literature review was conducted to examine the most studied neurodevelopmental disorders reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and explore public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Electronic literature databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar from May 2010 to May 2022. The literature was screened and assessed the quality of surveys of extracted 21 articles following the Best Practices for Survey and Public Opinion Research by the American Association for Public Opinion Research. Since 2010, the most studied neurodevelopmental disorders reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, with the prevalence of studies conducted in Central province, followed by Western province and the rest of Saudi Arabia in general. The analysis of questionnaires used showed that 20 studies were of high quality, and one was of medium quality. The narrative synthesis of included studies showed an overall lack of knowledge about autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, misconceptions and misunderstandings about these health conditions. More research is needed in all regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to contribute to the knowledge about mental health conditions of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder children and their parents to inform policies and practical recommendations.

Lay abstract

In 2010, Saudi Arabia became the first country from the Gulf Cooperation Council states to join the World Mental Health Survey Initiative, which collaborates with Harvard University and has undertaken over 33 countries. The Saudi National Mental Health Survey revealed that 80% of Saudis with severe mental health disorders do not seek treatment. Considering the strong evidence set out in Saudi national study and the recommendations for future research, this systematic literature review was initiated to examine the most studied neurodevelopmental disorders reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to explore public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Findings have shown that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder have been the most studied neurodevelopmental disorders in Saudi Arabia since 2010. However, various groups in Saudi society, including healthcare professionals, medical students, and the general public, lacked knowledge about these health conditions, often leading to stigmatized attitudes and behaviors toward people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. However, demographic data showed that most of the studies were carried out in the Central and Western provinces. More research is needed in all regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to contribute to the knowledge about mental health conditions of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder children and their parents to increase knowledge about neurodevelopmental disorders and mental health disorders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, thereby enabling people to rethink their attitudes and behavior.