The Prevalence and Pattern of Psychosocial Disorders among Secondary School-Going Students in Urban Areas of Bangladesh

Background: Adolescent mental health is a growing concern globally, with anxiety disorders being particularly prevalent. This study aims to explore the prevalence and patterns of anxiety among secondary school-going students by examining the interplay of various psychosocial, familial, and health-related factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 600 secondary school students using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. The study assessed the prevalence of anxiety and its correlation with demographic factors (age, gender), living situation, academic performance, health and lifestyle factors (BMI, chronic health conditions, sleep patterns), and family dynamics. Results: The analysis revealed that 52.67% of participants exhibited none to minimal anxiety symptoms, while 36.33% experienced mild anxiety, 8.00% moderate anxiety, and 3.00% severe anxiety. Age and gender showed no significant correlation with overall anxiety levels. However, living situation, academic performance, and health factors like BMI and sleep patterns were significantly associated with anxiety levels. Family dynamics, including income level and parenting style, also showed a strong correlation with anxiety. Students with severe anxiety were more likely to have lower academic performance, experience psychosocial challenges, and come from less supportive family environments. Conclusion: The study highlights the multifaceted nature of anxiety disorders in adolescents, which is influenced by a complex interplay of individual, familial, and environmental factors. These findings underscore the need for holistic approaches in addressing adolescent anxiety, involving family-based interventions, academic support, and health promotion strategies. The study contributes valuable insights into adolescent mental health, emphasizing the importance of early identification and comprehensive management of anxiety disorders.