Frequency of generalized anxiety in the population of East Azerbaijan and its relationship with demographic indicators

Abstract

Although generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has been widely studied in different global settings, regional studies are necessary to develop a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of this disorder. The unique characteristics of East Azerbaijan, including its cultural diversity and social and economic conditions, make it an informative case study that can contribute to a broader knowledge base about the epidemiology of GAD. This study examines the prevalence of GAD in the population of East Azerbaijan, Iran, and examines its relationship with demographic indicators. Methods and Materials: The present study was a retrospective study and based on a mega project with 1500 households living in Tabriz, Marand, Bonab, Esko, Warzghan, Khadafarin (150 clusters of 10 households). The underlying risk factors of the study, including age, sex, marital status, education level, and employment status, were investigated using a general questionnaire in the study subjects. Symptoms of Results: A total of 2816 people were included in this study. Almost 40% of the studied population had varying degrees of anxiety. The prevalence of widespread anxiety in Tabriz and other cities was 39.8%. The prevalence of widespread anxiety in Tabriz city was significantly higher than other cities in the province (P=0.04). The prevalence of generalized anxiety was 32.4% in men and 46.6% in women, respectively. The prevalence of generalized anxiety was significantly higher in women (P<0.05). With increasing age, the prevalence of diffuse anxiety increases until the age of 55 and then decreases relatively, but the highest prevalence of diffuse anxiety was observed in the age group between 45 and 55 years. There was no significant difference in any of the classifications between singles and marrieds (P<0.05).