Sociodemographic and diagnostic trends of users accessing psychiatry outpatient clinic in Dubai from 2019 to 2023: a cross-sectional retrospective study

Abstract

Cultural awareness on mental health is enhancing over time in the Middle East, thus increasing number of individuals who feel more confident to seek the help they require. This epidemiological cross-sectional retrospective analytical study aims to identify and observe the impact of COVID-19 on sociodemographic trends and diagnostic profiles of outpatient attendees at Rashid Hospital, Dubai in a 5-years period. From a cohort of 5135 newly registered patients at Rashid Hospital outpatient department, demographic data, diagnoses and devised treatment plan of 3679 patients – between the ages of 18–59 years were analyzed. SPSS software was employed to analyze trends across the presenting population. Chi-square analysis was utilized to identify possible associations between trends. Overall increasing trend in the frequency of patients presenting to Rashid Hospital Psychiatry outpatient clinic. Key findings included equal gender distribution, highest frequency of 21–40 years old attendees, depressive and anxiety related disorders occupied the majority of diagnoses. The findings highlight key demographic and clinical trends across patients. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and sleep related disorders emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistently increasing number of attendees favor the increase in mental health awareness and the positive attitudes towards seeking help.