Table 3 Correlation between K10 score of psychological distress and factors related to COVID-19 pandemic among the population living in KSA

Perceived seriousness of the disease

r = 0.14^†

Perceived threat of infection

r = 0.13^†

Fear of losing job because of reasons related to the pandemic

r = 0.18^†

Difficulty of staying home and not going out unless necessary

r = 0.10*

Feasibility of avoiding social gatherings with family and friends

r = − 0.11^†

Commitment to all preventive measures

r = − 0.14^†

Perception of effectiveness of preventive measures

r = − 0.17^†