Abstract
BackgroundAnxiety disorder is one of the emerging public health problems in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Likewise, in Bangladesh, a growing number of adolescents are experiencing such symptoms though we have very limited research evidence available. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and the factors associated with this condition among urban, semi-urban, and rural school adolescents in Bangladesh.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used a two-stage cluster sampling procedure. A self-administered questionnaire was conveyed to 2355 adolescents from nine secondary schools of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Of the respondents, 2313 completed the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7). Besides, sociodemographic information, self-reported body image as well as modification of Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and WHO Global PA Questionnaire (GPAQ) were used to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with anxiety among adolescents.ResultsA total of 20.1% of adolescents were experiencing moderate to severe anxiety; of them, a significantly higher proportion (49.9%) of female adolescents were suffering more than males (40.1%). Furthermore, age, student’s grade, father’s educational level, number of family members, and residential setting were found to be significantly associated with anxiety among adolescents. In terms of lifestyle factors, irregular physical activity (AOR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.05–1.63), high screen time (AOR: 1.51; 95% CI:1.21–1.88), sleep dissatisfaction (AOR: 3.79; 95% CI: 3.02–4.76), and underweight body image (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI:1.70–3.28) were found to be significantly associated with anxiety among school adolescents of urban, semi-urban, and rural residential settings.ConclusionsAnxiety is prevalent among urban, semi-urban, and rural school adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh. To lessen this prevalence of anxiety among Bangladeshi adolescents, evidence-based health programs- healthy school trials—and policies should therefore be taken based on the findings of this study.
Highlights
Anxiety disorders are widespread and consist of debilitating symptoms that often begin in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood [1]
Sociodemographic information, self-reported body image as well as modification of Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and WHO Global Physical activity (PA) Questionnaire (GPAQ) were used to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with anxiety among adolescents
In terms of the lower middle income countries (LMIC), a study conducted in Uganda found that the prevalence of anxiety disorders among children and adolescents aged 3–19 years was 26.6% [12], while in another study in Nigeria, it was found that the twelve-month prevalence of all anxiety disorders among adolescents aged 13–18 years was 15.0% [13]
Summary
Anxiety disorders are widespread and consist of debilitating symptoms that often begin in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood [1]. Findings of studies on the global burden of diseases showed that about 5.5% female and 3% male adolescents aged 15–19 years suffer from anxiety disorders [5]. Anxiety disorders are prevalent among adolescents in the developed and developing countries in the world [6,7,8]. The study of Ghandour et al reported that in the USA, the prevalence of anxiety problems among children and adolescents aged 3–17 years was 7.1% [9]. A study conducted in Sri Lanka among 445 adolescents aged 14–18 years found that the prevalence of severe anxiety was 28% [15]. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and the factors associated with this condition among urban, semi-urban, and rural school adolescents in Bangladesh
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call