The Average Review Score of Anxiety in Iran: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: One of the human emotional feelings is anxiety and if this feeling becomes severe, it may lead to undesirable results. A general estimation of mean score of anxiety has not reported in Iranian society up to now. This study aims at estimating the mean score of anxiety in Iran by the systematic review and meta-analysis method. Materials and methods: Searching was conducted using the keywords of Anxiety,Concerns,Stress,Depression and Iran in foreign databases of Pub med, Scopus, ISI, and google scholar as well as domestic ones including SID, Medlib, Magiran and Iran medex. The data were analyzed using the meta-analysis method (the random effects model). The disharmony of the studies was investigated using the I2 index. The data were analyzed by the STATA Ver.11 software. Findings: Of 174 articles under investigation with the sample of 29839 people during years 1999 to 2016, mean score and standard deviation of anxiety was estimated to be 29.46 (Confidence interval 95%: 24.74 to 34.18). Mean score of Anxiety was estimated to be 25.96 in women, 24.00 in men, 13.13 in married people and 13.34 in singles. Mean score of apparent anxiety 45.81, hidden anxiety 45.13, stress 10.51 and depression 11.37 were estimated as well. Discussion & conclusions: According to result of the study, mean score of anxiety is high in Iran. Furthermore, it is more in women than in men and there is not a significant difference between the married people and singles.