Prevalence of anxiety disorders and associated factors among students of School of Medicine – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

Objective: The research was conducted with the purpose of estimating the prevalence of Anxiety Disorder and associated factors among students of School of Medicine – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 906 students of the School of Medicine - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City from 9th to 30th September 2021. Full sampling technique, collecting the data by using self-completed questionnaires through Google Form. This study used the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) to assess anxiety disorders. Results: The study showed that the prevalence of anxiety disorder among students of School of Medicine - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City was 36.2%. In which, the level of anxiety from mild to moderate, severe anxiety and extreme anxiety respectively: 27.92%; 7.4%; 0.88%. Factors associated with anxiety include: gender, having someone to share with, pressure on academic performance, pressure on family and social relationships, pressure from COVID-19, financial pressure, pressure on appearance and social networks time use. Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety disorders among students of School of Medicine - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City is alarming. Finding out the associated factors helps to identify groups of students that need to be prioritized in detecting mental health problems and taking appropriate measures to improve their mental health.