Prevalence of Social Anxiety Disorder in Undergraduate Students of Hazara Division, Pakistan

Abstract

Globally, people are more likely to suffer from social anxiety issues (SAD) in regions with high levels of social and performance demands. This study evaluates the occurrence and severity of SAD among undergraduates in the Pakistani culture Hazara Area. It controls for gender and age. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. An investigation of 353 college students looked into the frequency, symptoms, and effects of SAD on everyday functioning and academic performance. This research backs up earlier findings that students aged 21–25 had a higher prevalence of a disorder of social anxiety (SAD), which also demonstrates that a large proportion of students suffer from SAD in general. Symptoms such as protective behaviors, physical signs (such as sweat), and fear of censure were observed, indicating that the condition significantly impacts social ties and academic progress. These findings highlight the need to implement focused interventions in educational settings.