Probable obsessive-compulsive disorder among youth in Singapore: Prevalence, sociodemographic correlates, and the association with psychological distress, harmful alcohol use and functional impairment

AI Summary

Point prevalence of probable OCD among Singapore youth was high at 22.1%
Elevated odds in younger age groups, Indian and Malay ethnicities, below university education; economically inactive youth had lower odds
Severe to very severe psychological distress and functional impairment strongly associated with probable OCD, indicating need for comprehensive screening and tailored interventions

Compr Psychiatry. 2026 Jun 30;149:152731. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2026.152731. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health condition with comparatively increased prevalence in Singapore. However, little is known about the prevalence of OCD among youth. Therefore, this study aims to examine the prevalence of probable OCD, explore its sociodemographic correlates, and investigate its associations with psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress), harmful alcohol use, and functional impairment among youth in Singapore.

METHODS: 2600 youth aged 15-35 were recruited via convenience sampling for the National Youth Mental Health Study, a cross-sectional nationwide survey. Information on sociodemographic background, probable OCD, psychological distress, harmful alcohol use and functional impairment was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Associations were examined using logistic regression.

RESULTS: The point prevalence of probable OCD was 22.1% among youth in Singapore. Significantly higher odds of probable OCD were observed among youths aged 15-19 and 20-24 (vs. 30-35), of Indian, Malay and other ethnicities (vs. Chinese), and those with educational attainment below university level (vs. university and above). Economically inactive youth had significantly lower odds of probable OCD. Youth with severe to very severe symptoms of psychological distress and functional impairment were also significantly more likely to exhibit probable OCD.

CONCLUSION: Probable OCD is highly prevalent among youth in Singapore, with elevated risk among specific sub-populations. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive screening and tailored intervention, particularly for those with severe to very severe symptoms of psychological distress and functional impairment.

PMID:42401119 | DOI:10.1016/j.comppsych.2026.152731

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