Golden Billion Theory and Psychological Stress: A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Middle Eastern Countries

Moawiah Khatatbeh; Haitham Khatatbeh; Osama Jadawneh; Mohammed Al-Jubouri; Faten Amer; Mu’ayyad Megdadi; Mohammad Abukaff; Ali Banyamer; Mohammad Albarakat; Bashar Allaham; Ala’a Al-Tammemi

doi:10.54133/ajms.v10i1.2623

Authors

Moawiah Khatatbeh Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University 21163, Irbid, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6299-6486
Haitham Khatatbeh Faculty of Nursing, Yarmouk University 21163, Irbid, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2019-6621
Osama Jadawneh Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University 21163, Irbid, Jordan https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3090-5622
Mohammed Al-Jubouri College of Nursing, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8073-9555
Faten Amer Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Palestine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5214-3797
Mu’ayyad Megdadi Department of Psychology Counselling, Faculty of Education, Yarmouk University 21163, Irbid, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0767-6153
Mohammad Abukaff Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University 21163, Irbid, Jordan
Ali Banyamer Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University 21163, Irbid, Jordan https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4634-6296
Mohammad Albarakat Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University 21163, Irbid, Jordan
Bashar Allaham Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University 21163, Irbid, Jordan https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8878-2536
Ala’a Al-Tammemi Directorate of Research, Policy, and Training, Jordan Center for Disease Control, Amman, Jordan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v10i1.2623

Keywords:

Anxiety, Conspiracy, Golden Billion theory, Middle East, Stress , Vaccine

Abstract

Background: The Golden Billion theory posits global inequality where a small elite benefits at the world's expense, often linked to resources and geopolitical power dynamics. Objective: To explore beliefs about the Golden Billion theory and associated psychological stress, focusing on impacts on vaccine refusal and belief in man-made pandemics of COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study in Jordan and Iraq explored beliefs about this theory and associated psychological stress. A convenience sample of 1113 participants was recruited via social media platforms (Facebook, WhatsApp, and X) between 14 June 2024 and 13 October 2024. Results: Sex, knowledge about the "Golden Billion theory," and vaccine-related conspiracy beliefs were significantly associated with anxiety levels (p<0.001). Higher education (OR=5.83, p=0.001), having heard about the “Golden Billion theory” (OR=3.43, p=0.001), believing COVID-19 was man-made (OR=2.38, p=0.001), and believing vaccines reduce world population (OR=3.83, p=0.001) were all linked to higher anxiety. Conclusions: The perception of intentional population control through pandemics and wars is strongly correlated with higher levels of anxiety, with significant associations identified between gender, knowledge of the “Golden Billion theory," and beliefs regarding vaccines.

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Author Biography

Ala’a Al-Tammemi, Directorate of Research, Policy, and Training, Jordan Center for Disease Control, Amman, Jordan

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