Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the top 10 most disabling disorders globally. Characterized by recurrent and persistent thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions), it significantly disrupts an individual's daily life, impacting routine, education, career development, and social relationships. The disorder's prevalence varies worldwide, with studies in Saudi Arabia showing a higher rate of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among medical students. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among undergraduate medical students in four major universities in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was administered between April and June 2023 to medical students from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal University, King Saud University, and King Abdulaziz University. The survey assessed obsessive-compulsive symptoms using the OCI-R scale. Results: Out of 886 medical students, 411 (46.4%) scored 21 or more on the OCI-R, indicating probable obsessive-compulsive disorder. Females had significantly higher OCI-R scores compared to males. Younger students, those with a family or personal history of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, and those with lower academic satisfaction exhibited higher scores. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating mental health awareness programs into educational curricula due to the high prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among medical students. Implementing such programs can help reduce stress and improve both academic performance and overall well-being.

Background: Long COVID (LC) has emerged as a significant epidemiological and public health issue, affecting patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study explored the impact of LC on HRQoL in COVID-19 survivors in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and examined the sociodemographic and clinical factors that influence HRQoL. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1024 participants, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire that incorporated the EQ-5D-5L tool to assess HRQoL. Sociodemographic information, acute COVID-19 symptoms, and LC symptoms were recorded. Statistical analyses included bivariate analyses and multivariable generalized linear modelling. Results: Of all participants, 63.8% reported experiencing LC symptoms, with fatigue, cough, and anosmia being the most common. Participants with LC had significantly lower HRQoL scores (mean EQ-5D-5L index score, 0.93) than those without LC (mean score, 0.98; p < 0.001). The key factors influencing lower HRQoL included a higher number of LC symptoms, older age, the presence of pneumonia during acute COVID-19, and pre-existing conditions such as anxiety and hypertension. Conclusions: LC negatively impacts HRQoL, with older age, chronic diseases, and the number of LC symptoms being strong predictors of poor outcomes. Interventions targeting rehabilitation and psychosocial support are critical for improving the long-term health outcomes of patients with LC.