Socio-Demographic Influences on the Development of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in A Rural Bangladeshi Population

Background: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent yet often underrecognized mental health condition, with its burden steadily increasing in developing nations like Bangladesh. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact of socio-demographic factors on the development of generalized anxiety disorder among individuals in a rural Bangladeshi population. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of socio-demographic factors on the development of generalized anxiety disorder among individuals in a rural Bangladeshi population. Methods: This cross-sectional study at the Department of Medicine, 250 Bedded Sadar Hospital, Joypurhat (Jan–Jul 2024) included 200 rural adults (≥18 years) selected purposively, excluding those with other psychiatric disorders or on psychotropic drugs. Socio-demographic data and anthropometric measurements were collected, and anxiety severity assessed via GAD-7. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 with descriptive stats and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: In 200 participants (mean age 37.7 ± 12.6; 78% female), severe GAD was highest in ages 18–30 (57%) and housewives (37%), while mild GAD prevailed in older groups and other occupations (p < 0.001). Males had 67% mild GAD; females had more moderate (36%) and severe (26%) anxiety (p = 0.0035). Age, sex, and occupation were significantly associated with GAD severity. Conclusion: Younger age, female sex, and being a housewife were significantly associated with higher severity of generalized anxiety disorder in this rural Bangladeshi population.