Prevalence and Factors of Social Anxiety Disorder Among Health Science Students in Kathmandu

Background and Purpose: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) which is characterized by persistent fear of social situations is increasingly relevant, particularly among students in today’s competitive society. This study assesses the prevalence of SAD and identifies associated factors among health care students. Materials and Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May ۲۰۲۳ and included ۳۲۵ participants from five colleges in Kathmandu City, Nepal. The sample size was calculated using the formula Z²pq/d². The participants were selected via the purposive sampling method. SAD was assessed using the ۱۷-item social phobia inventory instrument. Logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors (P<۰.۰۵). Results: The majority of participants (۶۳.۷%) were in the ۲۲-۲۵ age group, with a mean age of ۲۲.۸۴±۲.۲۵ years. The prevalence of SAD was ۳۹.۱%, with a mean of the social phobia inventory score of ۱۶.۷۳±۱۱.۸۵. Significant risk factors included being female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=۱.۹; ۹۵% confidence interval [CI], ۱.۱, ۳.۴), history of mental illness (AOR=۲.۹; ۹۵% CI, ۱.۲, ۶.۸), parental criticism (AOR=۲.۴; ۹۵% CI, ۱.۱, ۵.۲), overprotection (AOR=۲.۶; ۹۵% CI, ۱.۶, ۴.۲), excessive anger (AOR=۳.۹; ۹۵% CI, ۱.۳, ۱۱.۳), conflicts with parents (AOR=۲.۱; ۹۵% CI, ۱.۳, ۳.۴), exposure to abuse (AOR=۲.۷; ۹۵% CI, ۱.۵, ۵.۰), experiences of bullying (AOR=۲.۸; ۹۵% CI, ۱.۵, ۵.۲), and dissatisfaction with height, weight, color of skin, and facial features. Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of SAD among health science students, emphasizing the importance of public health interventions targeting identified risk factors. Early prevention and control strategies should be implemented by both parents and colleges.

کلیدواژه ها:

Students ، Prevalence ، Risk factors ، Social anxiety disorder