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

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.

A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2023 and included 325 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 17-item social phobia inventory instrument. Logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors (P<0.05).

The majority of participants (63.7%) were in the 22-25 age group, with a mean age of 22.84±2.25 years. The prevalence of SAD was 39.1%, with a mean of the social phobia inventory score of 16.73±11.85. Significant risk factors included being female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1, 3.4), history of mental illness (AOR=2.9; 95% CI, 1.2, 6.8), parental criticism (AOR=2.4; 95% CI, 1.1, 5.2), overprotection (AOR=2.6; 95% CI, 1.6, 4.2), excessive anger (AOR=3.9; 95% CI, 1.3, 11.3), conflicts with parents (AOR=2.1; 95% CI, 1.3, 3.4), exposure to abuse (AOR=2.7; 95% CI, 1.5, 5.0), experiences of bullying (AOR=2.8; 95% CI, 1.5, 5.2), and dissatisfaction with height, weight, color of skin, and facial features.

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.