Association between obesity and mental disorders among male secondary school students in Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Predictor based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Obesity-related morbidity continues to increase in Saudi Arabia, especially among school students, who constitute a vulnerable population since they can be highly influenced by the western culture and rapid globalization. Aim of Study: To examine the relationship between obesity and negative emotional states among male secondary school students. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among male secondary school students in Abha City, Saudi Arabia during the academic year 2019-2020. A multistage cluster sampling technique was followed by the researchers, in order to recruit participants. The standardized Arabic version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used by the researchers for determining prevalence and levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among participants. Results: Three hundred and ninety eight students participated in the study. Their mean age (±SD) was 16.98±0.93 years. Overweight and obesity was present among 44.2% and 38.4% of participants, respectively. The overall prevalence rates for symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among participants were 57%, 64.6% and 39.4%, respectively. There were statistically significant associations between obesity and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress (p