Abstract
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the level of rumination and distress post-COVID-19 among the population of Saudi Arabia
Method:
Descriptive cross-sectional research was conducted using a modified German version of the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) and a modified German version of the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) to assess current COVID-19-related distress.
Results:
The study sample comprised 872 participants, with females (n = 496, 56.9%) and young adults aged 20-30 years (n = 507, 58.1%) representing the majority. Further, most participants held university degrees (n = 604, 69.3%). The mean rumination score and COVID-19-related distress were 16.6 (SD = 14.3) and 13.2 (SD = 11.3), respectively. The rumination levels were comparable between females (Mdn = 13.00, IQR = 5.00-26.00) and males (Mdn = 13.50, IQR = 4.50-27.00; p-value=0.849), distress levels were significantly higher in females (Mdn = 12.00, IQR = 4.00-21.00) compared to males (Mdn = 9.00, IQR = 4.00-18.00; p-value=0.017). The educational level analysis demonstrated significant differences in rumination scores (p-value=0.036). Multiple regression analysis identified significant demographic predictors of COVID-19-related distress. Gender emerged as a significant predictor, with males reporting lower distress levels compared to females (β = -0.082, p-value=0.016, 95% CI [-3.408, -.349]). Age analysis, using the 20-30 years group as reference, showed that participants aged >51 years reported significantly lower distress levels (β = -0.098, p-value=0.005, 95% CI [-6.743, -1.187]).
Conclusion:
This study revealed moderate levels of COVID-19-related rumination and distress among participants. While rumination patterns were similar across demographic groups, distress levels showed significant variations.

Key words: Rumination, distress, post-COVID-19, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.