Health Psychology Research / HPR / Online First / DOI: 10.14440/hpr.0204
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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Associated Factors among Health Sciences Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Anas Ali Alhur1* ,  Nour Al Yousef2 ,  Yasmin Alkhami3 ,  Hawra Al Khairi2 ,  Amal Adawi4 ,  Angham Alshobaili5 ,  Majedah Albakheet6 ,  Mohammed Alaql7 ,  Rana Dugdugy5 ,  Nawal Alasmari8 ,  Thekra Alhumidi9 ,  Awatif Al-Rashidi10 ,  Rahaf Almalki4 ,  Ghala Alsuwaina11 ,  Jumanah Altamimi11
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1 Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Eastern Province 31441, Saudi Arabia
2 Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Dammam, Eastern Province 32256, Saudi Arabia
3 Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Makkah Region 21955, Saudi Arabia
4 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Makkah Region 21944, Saudi Arabia
5 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Jazan Region 82723, Saudi Arabia
6 Department of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz National Guard Hospital, Al-Ahsa, Eastern Province 31982, Saudi Arabia
7 Department of Pharmacy, Mouwasat Hospital, Riyadh, Riyadh Region 11671, Saudi Arabia
8 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Asir Region 62521, Saudi Arabia
9 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah, Qassim Region 51911, Saudi Arabia
10 Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Hafr Al-Batin University, Hafr Al-Batin, Eastern Province 39524, Saudi Arabia
11 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Riyadh Region 11671, Saudi Arabia
HPR, e81240044 https://doi.org/10.14440/hpr.0204
Submitted: 17 July 2025 | Revised: 13 October 2025 | Accepted: 14 November 2025 | Published: 17 December 2025
© 2025 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Background

Health sciences students are at increased risk of psychological distress due to academic workload, clinical responsibilities, and the pressures associated with life transitions. Although global data indicate high rates of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS), evidence regarding the prevalence of, and associated psychosocial and academic factors for, DAS in Saudi Arabia remains limited.

Objective

This study assessed the prevalence of DAS among undergraduate health sciences students in Saudi Arabia and examined demographic, academic, and psychosocial predictors of these outcomes.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 823 undergraduate students enrolled in health sciences programs at public and private universities in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a validated Arabic version of the DAS scale. Scores for each subscale were classified according to standardized severity cutoffs. Group differences were examined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square tests. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of DAS, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

Results

A substantial proportion of students reported moderate-to-extremely severe DAS symptoms. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in depression scores across academic years (p<0.001), with higher levels among senior students. The Chi-square tests indicated no significant gender differences in stress (p=0.210). Regression analysis identified higher academic workload and limited social support as strong predictors of elevated DAS levels. Despite a moderate willingness to seek psychological support, actual utilization of professional services remained low.

Conclusion

DAS symptoms are prevalent among health sciences students in Saudi Arabia, particularly among students in their later academic years. These findings highlight the need for targeted, culturally sensitive mental health interventions that address academic pressure, strengthen emotional support systems, and enhance access to appropriate psychological care.

Keywords
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Depression anxiety and stress scale
Academic pressure
Health sciences students
Saudi Arabia
Funding
None.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to this study.
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Health Psychology Research, Electronic ISSN: 2420-8124 Published by Health Psychology Research
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