Knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes among general population towards bipolar disorders: a cross-sectional report from the Southern region of Saudi Arabia

V. Easwaran, S.M. Alshahrani, M.M.J. Sadiq, N.A. Khan, S.S. Alavudeen, T.M. Almeleebia, B.A. Alkhaldi, M.K. Alshuraymi, M.Y. Asiri, N.W. Khulaif

Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. vbagyalakshmi@kku.edu.sa

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• Neurology

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand the impact of demographic characteristics and to describe the gender differences in knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes towards bipolar disorders among common residents in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 2021 and March 2021. The survey was conducted among the common residents in the southern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data were collected by using a structured, self-administered, validated questionnaire comprised of a dichotomous type of questions along with Likert scale.

RESULTS: There is a significant difference in the distribution of knowledge scores between male and female study participants (p=0.000). No significant gender differences have been identified in beliefs and attitudes toward bipolar disorder (p=0.229) and in overall score (p=0.159). The traumatic event was reported as the major cause of bipolar disorder. The age group and employment status were found to be the major predictor of knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about bipolar disorder.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the knowledge awareness rate on bipolar disorder is high among public in the Southern region, there is a vast scope for improving it. Education should be disseminated to promote mental health awareness and improve attitudes and beliefs on bipolar disorders and reduce stigma and discrimination against patients with bipolar disorders.

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