The Saudi Mental Health Care Law (SMHL) was established in 2014; however, no prior study has evaluated mental health professionals’ perceptions or attitudes toward it. This cross-sectional study examines these aspects and their associated factors among psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric nurses in Saudi Arabia (SA). The data were collected from 432 participants using an online electronic survey consisting of four sections, including the Mental Health Legislation Attitudes Scale (MHLAS). Psychiatrists comprised most participants (46.06%), followed by psychologists (36.34%). Most participants were 40 years of age or younger (83.10%). Of the 432 participants, 226 (52.31%) were females. Overall, 28.70% were unaware of the existence of the SMHL. A total of 172 (66.67%) out of 258 participants agreed that the legislation operates well in ensuring treatment for persons who require involuntary admission. There was a statistically significant association between specialty and opinions of treatment efficacy and care benefits of the SMHL (p = 0.031 and p < 0.001, respectively). Official implementation of SMHL in participants’ facilities resulted in high MHLAS scores (p = 0.007). Reading or attending lectures and workshops related to the SMHL resulted in high MHLAS scores (p = 0.044 and p = 0.021, respectively). Negative opinions and uncertainty regarding the effect of SMHL on confidentiality were associated with low total MHLAS scores (p < 0.001). This study highlights the need to increase awareness of the SMHL among Saudi Arabian healthcare workers.

Workplace violence (WPV) represents a growing global health and occupational safety concern, with significant implications for employees’ well-being

Caregivers of patients with Severe Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) face tremendous challenges. They often experience elevated levels of burden, depression, and anxiety. These factors negatively impact their quality of life (QoL). However, few studies have examined caregiver burden and its psychological effects in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to assess caregiver burden in relation to socio-demographic characteristics and its correlation with depression, anxiety, and QoL. The study tool consisted of validated questionnaire, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), abridged Arabic version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). A cross-sectional convenience sample of 120 participants was recruited from the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinics at King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Our results showed a significant positive correlation between caregiver burden and depression and anxiety scores (p < 0.001). Moreover, significantly higher burden levels were found among female caregivers and those residing with patients, p = 0.04 and p = 0.002, respectively. Additionally, the severity of mental illness was also associated with an increased burden level (p = 0.001). Notably, spouses and children reported significantly higher burden levels (p = 0.036). In multivariable analyses, caregiver anxiety and perceived severity of the patient’s mental illness were independently associated with higher caregiver burden, while depressive and anxiety symptoms were independently associated with poorer quality of life.Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was found between caregiver burden and the physical and psychological QoL domains (p < 0.001 and p = 0.013, respectively). Collectively, our findings highlight the mental health challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with SPMI in Saudi Arabia, which negatively impact their QoL. Consequently, these findings substantiate the urgent need for targeted support interventions, particularly those addressing caregiver anxiety, depression, and the challenges associated with severe mental illness, especially for caregivers who live with or care for individuals with SPMI.