Background The control measures during COVID-19 such as curfew, lockdown, and social distancing had observed differences in controlling the spread of the disease around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; however, they might contribute to psychological illnesses such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and distress. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess psychological distress and the factors affecting it among general population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Seven hundred and thirty-nine people completed an online questionnaire which included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Psychological distress was found among 35% of the study sample. Western and northern regions reported higher rates of distress. In addition, higher rates were found among younger and unmarried individuals. Distress was significantly positively correlated with perceptions of susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infection, and the fear to lose a job as a result of the pandemic and the related precautions. Conclusion Psychological support programs should be provided targeting high-risk groups of younger and unmarried population. Further research should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological support interventions.

Background: Unintended pregnancy is a worldwide problem which affects women, their families, and society. Aim: to determine the prevalence and determinant of the unmet need of family planning among married women in the child bearing period in Nefesha Village in Ismailia. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 823 married women in reproductive age (15-49 years). Data were collected through a structured interview questionnaire sheet. The sample size was estimated according to the standard Egypt Demographic and Health Survey 2008 important risk factor affecting unmet need of family planning. Results: the prevalence of unmet need for contraception was 15.7%. The percentage of illiteracy was higher in the women with unmet need and their husbands (22.5% and 28.7% respectively) compared to women with unmet need. The percentage of working husbands was higher among contraceptive users (97.9%). Family planning counselling was lower in women with unmet need (42.3%). Shared decision taking of contraception between women with unmet need and their husbands was lower than contraceptive users (48.1%). The main reasons for never using any family planning methods were the fear of the side effects in 25%, women and husband disapproval in 21.9% of them. Reasons for discontinuation of using contraceptive methods were the experience of side effects (59.4%) and method failure (15.5%). Conclusion: The rate of unmet need for family planning is still high. Family planning services must be more explicit and purposeful in their efforts to address low knowledge levels and health concerns among current and potential users. Husband involvement in family planning counseling should be considered.

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