Social anxiety An Emerging Public Health Issue: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study Among the Undergraduate University Students

Abstract

Objective:. The study aims to find out the social anxiety/social phobia and its determinants among undergraduate university students. Methods: From Jan. 1 to July 30, 20224, a cross-sectional survey based on institutions was carried out at several universities in Peshawar, Pakistan. Total of 200 individuals following the inclusion and exclusion criteria using a convenient sampling technique, and we separately gathered data from each participant using a demographic Performa and the Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale. To figure out the correlation between social anxiety and variables influencing the amount of social anxiety, chi-square analysis was used. Results: There were total of 200 participants who completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 100% having 34% of male participants and 66% of female participants. The mean age of the participants was 21.35. The prevalence of SAD 2.26% ±1.125). A positive association was found between age, gender, semester wise qualification and marital status with social anxiety disorders. Conclusion: Based on the study, SAD is quite common among university students. A strategy about social anxiety disorder among students and the elements causing it has to be developed by the appropriate authorities and university official.