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The aim of this study was to test the potential insecticidal properties of Saccocalyx satureioides (Lamiaceae) essential oil against the 4th instar larvae of Culex pipiens s.l. and Culiseta longiareolata, which constitute the most abundant mosquito species in Setif region (Northeast of Algeria). The essential oil was extracted from the plant through hydrodistillation of dried aerial parts in a yield of 2 % and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The larvicidal effect of the obtained essential oil was thereafter tested according to the World Health Organization standard protocol. In result, the larvicidal tests revealed a Lethal Concentration causing 25 % mortality (LC25) LC25 = 45.43 Parts Per Million (ppm), Lethal concentration causing 50 % mortality (LC50) LC50 = 55.87 ppm and Lethal concentration causing 90 % mortality (LC90) LC90= 84.52 ppm against Cx. pipiens s.l. and LC25 = 52.6 ppm, LC50 = 64.48 ppm and LC90 = 96.91 ppm against Cs. longiareolata. Furthermore, the analysis of the essential oil (EO) composition led to the identification of 58 components representing 100 % of the total essential oil contents. The main chemical constituents identified were α-terpineol (23.95 %), thymol (18.15 %), and borneol (17.22 %). Ultimately the conducted experiments resulted in a potential larvicidal effect of the main compounds of S. satureioides essential oil against the tested mosquito species; these compounds could be utilized after been tested separately in mosquito control as an alternative to synthetic insecticides.

Introduction: Domestic violence is a universal phenomenon that destroys the fabric of society and threatens the lives, health and prosperity of all. It can take different forms, including physical abuse. This is one of the most serious form of violence, as it can range from a simple shove to homicide. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and describe the various forms of physical violence perpetrated by husbands against their wives. Methods: We contacted women who consulted at the psychiatric emergency of 'Hedi Chaker hospital',Sfax examined in the context of medical expertise on the period between May 2021 until January 2022. A questionnaire regarding the violence was asked to responders. It included a section for collecting socio-demographic and clinical data on the woman, and a section for assessing the various forms of domestic violence. Results: 122 women were surveyed. The average age of victims was 35.66 years with extremes of 18 and 64 years. 78.7% (n=96) of ladies were of urban origin. The majority of them (44,3%) had secondary level education. The half of the population (51.6%) had an average socio-economic level and 43.4% (n=53) lived in rented houses. All the women of our population were married: it was the first marriage in (89.3%) and the majority (86.1%) had children. Almost all women (95.1%; n=116) were victims of physical violence. Different types of physical violence were reported with decreasing prevalence: slap (65,6%), punch (58,2%), strangle (46,7%), kicking (38,1%), stabbing threat (28,7%), kidnapping (4,9%), and gun threat (3,3%). Should be noted that some women experience different forms of violence simultaneously. Conclusions: Our study showed a high prevalence of physical violence with different shapes. These figures must be taken into account by the authorities given the gravity of physical and psychological consequences of this form of violence. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Attachment refers to the emotional bond between a child and their primary caregiver, reflecting the child's confidence in the caregiver's capacity to offer security. Evaluating attachment styles in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders holds significance in pinpointing a potential factor affecting therapeutic relationships. This, in turn, indirectly aids in comprehending the emergence of low adherence as a significant barrier to schizophrenia Objectives: The goal of this study is to assess attachment styles in women with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Methods: We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study at the Psychiatry "B" department of Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia, during May and June 2023. Our study involved stabilized female patients diagnosed with either schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. We utilized the 26-item Revised Psychosis Attachment Measure (PAM_R) questionnaire translated into Arabic and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score to assess schizophrenic symptoms. Results: We enrolled a total of 41 female patients in our study, with 65.9% diagnosed with schizophrenia and 34.2% with schizoaffective disorder. The average age of the participants was 49.19 years, ranging from 17 to 79 years old. In terms of attachment styles, avoidant attachment was the most prevalent (60.97%), followed by anxious attachment (24.39%), and disorganized attachment (14.63%). Our study revealed significant associations between avoidant attachment and several factors. Patients who began psychiatric follow-up with hospitalization had a significantly higher level of avoidant attachment compared to those starting with outpatient consultation (p < 0.001). The type of therapy also influenced avoidant attachment, with a significant difference (p < 0.001). Insight into their condition also played a significant role (p < 0.001). Moreover, the age at which psychiatric follow-up began showed a statistically significant correlation with avoidant attachment (Spearman's ρ = 0.000, p < 0.001). Individuals with higher avoidant attachment tended to have a longer duration of untreated psychosis, supported by a statistically significant positive correlation (Spearman's ρ = 0.082, p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant relationship between avoidant attachment and the equivalent dose of chlorpromazine, with a positive correlation (Spearman's ρ = 0.091, p < 0.001), indicating that individuals with higher avoidant attachment may require higher equivalent doses of chlorpromazine. Finally, higher levels of avoidant attachment were associated with a lower presence of positive symptoms in schizophrenia (Spearman's ρ = -0.026, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Insecure attachment is a valuable mechanism for understanding the evolution of schizophrenia spectrum phenomenology and may be a useful target for prophylactic interventions. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Palestine-Israel War has reverberated across borders, transcending boundaries to affect individuals far beyond the conflict zone. While much attention has been rightfully directed toward the immediate physical and psychological consequences within the war-torn regions, there is a growing need to explore the broader impact on the mental health of populations in neighboring countries including the sleep disorders among the Tunisian population during this war. Objectives: To study the sleep disorders in Tunisian people related to the extensive war news broadcasting and to identify the factors associated to it. Methods: It was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, conducted among Tunisians. Data were collected during October and November 2023, through an anonymous online questionnaire, spread throughout social media (Facebook/Instagram), using the Google Forms® platform. We used a socio-demographic and clinical data sheet and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to measures the severity of insomnia. Results: A total of 1091 participants completed the questionnaire.The participants' mean age was 32.7 ± 9.8 years, with a sex ratio (F/M) = 3.5. The study revealed that 100% of the respondents followed the war, predominantly relying on social media (98.6%) with 55% closely monitoring the war via the media during more than 3 hours per day. 74.1% of the participants were Religious practitioners According to the (ISI): a significant insomnia was found in 75.2% of participants. The breakdown of insomnia severity indicated that 47.3% experienced subthreshold insomnia, 25.7% clinical insomnia of moderate severity, and 2.2% clinical insomnia of severe intensity. The factors significantly associated with severe insomnia were: a male population (p=0.018) and an increase in religious practices (p=0.031). Conclusions: The impact of the Palestine-Israel war on Tunisian individuals' sleep patterns, predominantly mediated through increased exposure via social media with using increase in religious practices as a possible coping mechanism. The study highlights support initiatives to address the psychological repercussions of international conflicts on mental health. This suggests the importance of applying sleep hygiene rules and screening for sleep disorders. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Violence is a global phenomenon, destroying the fabric of society and threatening the lives, health and prosperity of all. In recent years, there has been an upsurge in domestic violence in Tunsia. Unfortunately, few studies have focused on the relationship within these couples. Objectives: To describe the characteristics of marriage between Tunisian couples where domestic violence prevails. Methods: Our study was descriptive and analytical cross-sectional, carried out with women victims of domestic violence examined in the context of psychiatric expertise. An anonymous survey was asked to these ladies concerning the socio-demographic characteristics of the wife and spouse and the characteristics of the marriage. Results: Our population was made up of 122 couples. The average age of ladies was 35.66 years (from18 to 64 years). As for the spouses, their average age was 41.68, with extremes of 22 and 70. 92,6% of couples had at least one child. Professionally, (6.6%) of the husbands were inactive and 51.6% (n= 63) of couples had an average socio-economic level. 43.4% (n=53) lived in rented houses, 41% (n=50) owned their own homes, 14.8% (n=18) lived in a room with their in-laws and 0.8% (n=1) were homeless. The average duration of marriage in our study was 11.16 ± 9.12 years and extremes of 1 and 40 years.Judicial records were found in 28.7% of assailants (n=35).The majority of women surveyed, 92.6% (n=113), were victims of three types of violence at once (verbal, psychological and physical). Sixty-two women (50.8%) were victims of four types of violence simultaneously (verbal, psychological, physical and sexual).Various causes of violence were reported, dominated mainly by claims for money, sexual problems, drunkenness and infidelity, with prevalence rates of 38.5%, 23.8%, 22.1% and 21.3% respectively.The majority of women, 66.4% (n=81), had been assaulted by their spouses during the first year of marriage. Forty-seven ladies (38.5%) were subjected to violence on a daily basis.According to the survey, 86.9% of women have been assaulted at least once before, and 38.7% of them have reported previous assaults to the police.The first person contacted after the violence was the mother, with a percentage of 48.4% (n=59).53.3% of ladies were assaulted during pregnancy, 43% of whom suffered obstetrical complications of varying severity. Conclusions: According to our results, there is no typical profile of a couple where conjugal violence can reign. Neither the length of the marriage nor pregnancy prevented the woman from being a victim of domestic violence. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Gaza-Israel conflict has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate geographic confines of the conflict zone.This war certainly has repercussions on people who follow it via the media. Objectives: To study the prevalence of acute stress disorder among Tunisian people and determinate the factors associated to it. Methods: It was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, conducted among Tunisians. Data were collected during October and November 2023, through an anonymous online questionnaire, spread throughout social media (Facebook/Instagram), using the Google Forms® platform. We used the the National stressful Events survey acute Stress Disorder Short scale (NSESSS) to assess the severity symptoms of acute stress disorder. The National Stressful Events Survey Acute Stress Disorder Short Scale (NSESSS) is a 7-item patient assessment measures that assesses the severity symptoms of acute stress disorder in individuals age 18 and older following an extremely stressful event or experience. Results: A total of 1091 participants completed the questionnaire. The participants had a mean age of 32.7 ± 9.8 years. More females (77.7%) than males (22.3%) participated in the study with a sex ratio (F/M) = 3.5. They were divorced in 2.1%.A history of psychiatric follow-up was found in 19,5% of case. Results demonstrated that 100% of the respondents closely monitored the war, primarily relying on social media (98.6%) as their primary source of information. According to the NSESSS ,83.4% of the participants had an acute stress disorder. The breakdown of acute stress disorder severity indicated that 29.7% experienced mild symptoms, 27.5% moderate, 21.6% severe, and 4.6% extreme symptoms. The factors associated with high score of NSESSS were: female sex (p=0.000), the divorced people (p=0.001)and previous history of psychiatric follow-up (p=0.000) Conclusions: These findings indicate a substantial impact of the Palestine-Israel conflict on the mental well-being of the Tunisian population, as evidenced by high rates of acute stress disorder. Understanding the heightened prevalence of acute stress disorder among different demographic groups following such international conflicts is crucial for developing tailored interventions to support the mental health and well-being of affected individuals. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Childhood trauma encompasses instances of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, along with neglect experienced during childhood and adolescence. Individuals with psychosis, particularly those with schizophrenia, exhibit a heightened prevalence of childhood trauma. One potential mediator in understanding this connection is insecure attachment. Objectives: This study aimed to better understand how childhood trauma relates to schizophrenia by examining two aspects of attachment: attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Methods: We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study among stabilized female patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, in the 'B' psychiatry department at Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia, from May to June 2023. We administered the 26-item Revised Psychosis Attachment Measure (PAM_R) questionnaire, translated into Arabic, to assess attachment. Additionally, participants completed the 28-item Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). We used both the Wilcoxon test for paired samples and the Spearman correlation test to assess the statistic differences and correlations. Results: We included 41 female patients, of which 65.9% had schizophrenia and 34.2% had schizoaffective disorder. The average age of the participants was 49.19 years. Among the attachment styles, avoidant attachment was the most prevalent (60.97%), followed by anxious attachment (24.39%), and disorganized attachment (14.63%). Regarding childhood trauma, the average total score on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was 56.34. Specifically, 39% of patients reported experiencing physical abuse, 24.4% reported sexual abuse, 14.6% reported emotional abuse, and 4.9% reported physical neglect. The Spearman correlation analysis between avoidant attachment and scores on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) yielded a diverse set of findings. It indicated a significant positive correlation with physical abuse (ρ = 0.004, p < 0.001), a significant negative correlation with emotional abuse (ρ = -0.045, p < 0.001), a significant positive correlation with sexual abuse (ρ = 0.036, p < 0.001), a significant negative correlation with physical neglect (ρ = -0.083, p < 0.001), a significant negative correlation with emotional neglect (ρ = -0.047, p < 0.001), and a significant positive correlation with denial (ρ = 0.080, p < 0.001). On the other hand, the Spearman correlation analysis between anxious attachment and scores on the CTQ showed varying correlations: a significant positive correlation with physical abuse (ρ = 0.094, p < 0.001) and sexual abuse (ρ < 0.0001, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that individuals with an insecure attachment style and a history of childhood trauma should be considered a high-risk group, necessitating early clinical intervention, continuous monitoring, and personalized therapeutic approaches designed to alleviate the psychological effects of trauma. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Attachment styles is intrinsically related to the capacity for forming close social bonds, making it a vital lens through which to understand social functioning. Objectives: This study investigates the link between attachment styles and social functioning among women diagnosed with schizophrenia. Methods: We carried out a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study from May to June 2023, focusing on stabilized female patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The study took place in the 'B' psychiatry department of Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia. Data on attachment styles and social functioning were collected using self-report questionnaires: the Revised Psychosis Attachment Measure (PAM_R) and the Social Functioning Scale (SFS). In our study, we employed both the Wilcoxon test for paired samples and the Spearman correlation test to assess the differences and correlations between attachment scores and social functioning scores, respectively. Results: In the study, 41 female patients were included. The participants had a mean age of 49.19, ranging from 19 to 79 years old. Attachment styles were predominantly avoidant (60.97%), followed by anxious (24.39%) and disorganized (14.63%). A significant portion, 39%, exhibited low social functioning. The domains most affected were leisure (63.41%) and employment (60.97%). Our analysis revealed negative correlations between avoidant attachment and social functioning in leisure activities (Spearman's ρ = -0.057, p < 0.05) as well as between avoidant attachment and independence performance (Spearman's ρ = -0.040, p < 0.05). Also, the correlation coefficient for anxious attachment and leisure activities is 0.041, demonstrating a positive association (p < 0.005). Conclusions: These initial findings may imply a potential association between attachment styles and social functioning in schizophrenia. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Schizophrenia spectrum disorders profoundly impacts social functioning, affecting interpersonal relationships, work interactions, and self-care. This disorder often leads to cognitive, perceptual, motor, and emotional challenges that result in social withdrawal. Objectives: The aim of the study is to identify the specific challenges in social functioning faced by women diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among stabilized female patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, in the 'B' psychiatry department at Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia, from May to June 2023. We collected both sociodemographic and clinical data from the participants. The Social Functioning Scale (SFS) and Global Functioning Scale (EGF) were used to assess social and global functioning, respectively. Results: Forty-one patients were included: 65.9% had schizophrenia, and 34.2% had schizoaffective disorder. The mean age was 49.19 years, ranging from 17 to 79 years. More than a third (39%) of our patients had significant impairment in global functioning (EGF<50). The average total score on the social functioning scale was 13.65, with a range from 6.29 to 20.29. Additionally, 39% of our patients exhibited low social functioning, and 51.21% had a high withdrawal score. The most impacted domains were leisure (63.41%) and employment (60.97%), followed by interpersonal behavior (58.53%), prosocial activities (48.78%), independence competence (41.46%), and lastly, independence performance (36.85%). Conclusions: Social skills training is crucial for enabling women with schizophrenia to function well in their environment. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The war in Gaza is a stressful life event. Due to its significant human and financial losses, it affected the mental health of people around the world including the middle east citizens. Objectives: To study the coping strategies of Tunisian people toward Palestine-Israel war in its first month and the factors associated with them. Methods: It was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, conducted among Tunisians. Data were collected during October and November 2023, through an anonymous online questionnaire, spread throughout social media (Facebook/Instagram), using the Google Forms® platform. We used a socio-demographic and clinical data sheet and the "Brief-COPE" to assess coping strategies. Results: A total of 1091 participants completed the questionnaire. Their mean age was 32,7± 9.8 years, with a sex-ratio (F/M) of 3.5. Among participants, 46,1% are married, 42,5% have children and 19,5% have a psychiatric follow history. Sport's practitioners represent 23,3% of the participants and 10,6% increased their use of sports after the war news. In terms of coping strategies: problem focused coping was the most used strategy (mean= 2,02) followed by emotional focused coping (mean= 1,98) and avoidant coping (mean= 1,63). Tunisians rely the most on religion, accepting reality and planning as coping mechanisms (score= 2,85; 2,4 and 2,23 respectively). Substance use was the last resort option (score= 1,11). Our survey revealed significant associations between coping mechanisms and several factors: Venting, humor and behavioral disengagement were significantly correlated with sex gender (p=0,000 ; 0,000 ; 0,000 respectively); Substance use coping mechanism was significantly correlated with participants having a psychiatric follow history (p=0,001); Avoidant coping subscale was significantly correlated with having children (p=0,000); Self distraction was significantly correlated with the increase use of sport among Tunisians (p=0,000). Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for healthcare and productive coping strategies for Tunisians and middle east people during the Palestine-Israel war. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The practice of restraint in psychiatry has been steadily increasing in the past few decades. What about caregivers' perception and feelings when it becomes the last therapeutic resort? Objectives: study caregiver's experience and feelings facing restraint and its impact on caregiver-patient relationship. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study among 38 doctors and 30 nurses was performed on June 2019 in the 3 departments of psychiatry, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax in Tunisia. We used anonymous questionnaire exploring their feelings, perception facing restraint, and impact on caregiver-patient relationship. Results: The average age of participants was 35.19 years; the sexratio (H/F) = 0.38. The mean years of exercise in psychiatry was 2.52 for residents, 7.38 for psychiatrists and 9.07 for nurses. When describing patients' feeling, caregivers identified anger in 60.3% and dehumanization in 32.4% cases. Satisfaction was described by 43.3% from nurses and only by 5.3% of doctors. Both of them describe also fear with respectively 20% and 7.9%, but at the same time, this procedure give security especially for patient (82.4%). Restraint increase caregiver's availability which make a trustful relationship perceived by 61.8% for doctors. However, for 54.4% of physicians, restraint leads to patient obedience for fear of being attached again. The use of restraint was abusive according to 33.8%, the main reason was related to lack of resources for 30.8% of them. Conclusions: Our study shows a rich emotional experience related to the practice of restraint. The best way to prevent abusive restraint and painful experiences seems to be the ongoing questioning of practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Physical restraint is a common practice in psychiatry, yet little explored in literature. Nurses and doctors in training had participated usually in experiments of restraint, and had a crucial role for its practice and its efficiency. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and practice of nurses and trainee doctors towards physical restraint. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and comparative study among 30 nurses and 26 trainee doctors practicing in the psychiatric departments of university Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia. We used anonymous questionnaire exploring practical and legal knowledge about physical restraint. Results: The most common indications were: aggressiveness against other persons (78.6%), self-aggressiveness (55.4%), and agitation (62.5%). According to 43.3% of nurses, restraint can be performed even without medical prescription, which is not true for trainee doctors (15.4%). The restraint should be performed if it is the only way to prevent immediate harm to the patient or others in 56.7% of nurses and 69.7% of trainee doctors. Trainee doctors regularly inform each patient about reasons for being restrained in 46.2% of case and nurses in 63.3%. They identified the overwork (23.3%) and patient's inability to discern (20%) as reasons for lack of information transmitted to patients. The use of restraint is abusive for 40% of nurses and 23.1% of doctors. Conclusions: This study showed some important misunderstandings of nurses and trainee doctors about using physical restraint. Findings of this study serve as a supporting reason for importance of educating psychiatric staff about the use of physical restraint, especially to avoid its misuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Hetero-aggressive behavior is a frequent reason for psychiatric hospitalization in patients with schizophrenia. Aim To describe the clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of schizophrenic patients hospitalized following a violent behavior. Methods It was a cross-sectional and descriptive study. It was conducted in 32 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, and hospitalized in the psychiatry department “B” at the Hedi Chaker University Hospital of Sfax in Tunisia during the month of August 2014. The reason for hospitalization was hetero aggressiveness. Results The average age of our patients was 36.19 years with a male predominance (71.9%). Violent schizophrenic patients were single (71.9%) and without occupation (68.8%). They have lived in family in 81.3% of cases. They had a family history of psychiatric disorders in 34.4% of cases, a criminal record in 25% of cases and addictive behaviors in 71.9% of cases. Violent schizophrenics had more than three psychiatric admissions in 50% of cases. They had bad adherence to treatment (62.5%) and poor insight (87.5%). The majority (90.6%) had a previous history of violent behavior. The victim was a member of the patient's family in 90%. At the time of the incident, delusional syndrome was present in 78.1% of cases and a mental automatism syndrome in 21.9% of cases. Conclusion Violence in patients with schizophrenia depends on several factors such as poor insight, medication non-adherence and a past history of violence. It is essential to assess the risk of violent behavior and act on the associated factors in order to prevent recurrence of violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Marital abuse is a serious social problem that has damaging impact on women's well-being. Therefore, prevention and intervention efforts require determining the risk factors involved. Objective Study the prevalence and risk factors of marital violence. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional and analytical study carried on 50 married women without psychiatric history. Data collection was conducted via a questionnaire exploring socio-demographics characteristics and the marital relationship. Three scales were passed: – the Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS): to assess verbal domestic violence (six items) and physical domestic violence (nine items); – Maternity social support scale (MSSS): to evaluate the social and family support; – Marital satisfaction scale of Azrin: assessing the satisfaction experienced of the wife at the partner's behavior. Results The average age was 41 ± 11.5 years. Education level did not exceed the primary level in 64% cases. The socio-economic level was judged to be average in 72% of cases. The prevalence of domestic violence in its verbal and physical forms was 72%. More than one third of women (44%) reported that they were victims of physical. Low socio-economic level ( P = 0,003), low partner's educational level ( P = 0,049), parental history of childhood abuse, poor marital satisfaction and poor social and family support were significantly associated with physical violence, parental history of childhood abuse on the one hand, and physical violence on the other hand. Conclusion Domestic violence against women, in its various forms remains a worldwide phenomenon. Several risk factors inherent to the woman, the husband and their marital relationship seem to be associated with domestic violence in its physical form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: this is the first study assessing the psychological impact on Tunisian general population during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depressive symptoms and insomnia, as well as associated factors., Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey of 1615 people during March 23 rd to May 5 th , 2020. We used the hospital anxiety and depression scale for anxiety and depression screening, and the insomnia severity index to assess sleep disturbances., Results: our study revealed a high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and insomnia (70.9%, 71.1% and 60.6% respectively). Multivariable statistics showed that anxiety symptoms were correlated to female gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.784, 95% confidence interval (CI 1.252-2.542; p=10 -3 ), history of mental illness (aOR: 1.680, 95% CI: 1.329-2.125; p<10 -3 ), frequently social media exposure (aOR: 1.578, 95%CI: 1.250-1.992; p<10 -3 ), times to focus on COVID-19 ≥ 3hours (aOR: 1.840, 95% CI: 1.433-2.362; p<10 -3 ), consultation with doctor in the clinic in the past 14 days (aOR: 1.821, 95%CI : 1.220-2.718; p=0.003) and recent traumatic event in the past 14 days (aOR: 1.641,95% CI: 1.331-2.024; p<10 -3 ). Principal factors associated with depressive symptoms included female gender (aOR: 1.637, 95% CI: 1.150-2.331; p=0.006), history of mental illness (aOR: 1.498, 95% CI: 1.189-1.888; p=10 -3 ), times to focus on COVID-19 ≥ 3hours (aOR: 1.956, 95% CI: 1.555-2.461; p<10 -3 ), and recent traumatic event in the past 14 days (aOR: 1.558, 95% CI: 1.265-1.919; p<10 -3 ). The main factors correlated to insomnia were younger (age <35years) (aOR: 1.592, 95% CI: 1.17 -2.152; p=0.003), female gender (aOR: 1.864, 95% CI: 1.252-2.775; p=0.002), having organic diseases (aOR: 1.527, 95% CI: 1.131-2.061; p=0.006), history of mental illness (aOR: 1.777, 95% CI: 1.396-2.263; p<10 -3 ), students (aOR: 1.931, 95% CI: 1.495-2.495; p<10 -3 ), times to focus on COVID-19 ≥3hours (aOR: 1.877, 95% CI: 1.467-2.400; p<10 -3 ) and recent traumatic event (aOR: 1.431, 95% CI: 1.144-1.789; p=0.002)., Conclusion: our study revealed a major mental health burden in Tunisia during COVID-19 pandemic. Many factors were correlated to anxiety, depressive symptoms and insomnia, suggesting the need for greater psychological support in general and in certain vulnerable groups., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Wiem Bouattour et al.)