The epidemiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in Qatar: findings from a Nationally representative survey

Sociocultural context influences the expression, interpretation, and course of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). More recent global data support the substantial burden of OCD across diverse populations. However, data from the Middle East remain limited.

To estimate the prevalence, persistence, symptom profile, and potential sex differences in OCD symptom expression, impairment, and psychiatric comorbidity in Qatar's general population.

Data were derived from a subsample (N = 2583) of Qatar's largest national epidemiological survey of mental disorders. Lifetime, 12-month, and 30-day prevalence rates of OCD, functional impairment (home, work, relationships, and social), and psychiatric comorbidities were assessed over the phone using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview based on the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated, and logistic regression models were fitted to examine associations between sociodemographic factors, comorbidities and lifetime OCD.

The weighted lifetime prevalence of OCD in Qatar was 2.9% (95% CI: 2.4-3.5), and was higher among females (3.8%) than males (2.3%, p = 0.007). The most common symptom types were checking (68.2%), religious scrupulosity (65.7%), and cleaning (60.0%). Nearly all individuals with lifetime OCD had at least one psychiatric comorbidity (91.0%), most frequently mood disorders (68.5%), PTSD (71.3%), and anxiety disorders (45.9%). Female sex was initially associated with OCD (OR=2.05, p = 0.002), but not after controlling for comorbidities (OR=1.24, p = 0.397). Females with OCD also reported greater impairment in the home and social life domains relative to males.

OCD is a prevalent and persistent disorder in Qatar, with higher religious/contamination-related scrupulosity, psychiatric comorbidity, and impairment in females than males, highlighting the need for culturally relevant and comorbidity responsive interventions.