Factors contributing to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) prevalence and gender differences in Korean adults: data from KNHANES
K.B. Kim1, J.Y. Jun2
1Bongseng Memorial Hospital, Psychiatry, Busan, Korea, Republic of, 2Ulsan University Hospital, Psychiatry, Ulsan, Korea, Republic of
Background: Generalized anxiety disorder(GAD) is a subtype of anxiety disorder. Although it is relatively common, its importance is often overlooked because it is overshadowed by other mental disorders. GAD results from the complex interplay of various factors, including biological and psychosocial elements. Despite being a condition that utilizes significant healthcare resources, there is a current lack of large-scale national studies regarding its contributing factors in Korea. Therefore, we planned a study to investigate various factors influencing GAD based on a recent nationwide survey.
Aims & Objectives: This study investigated the factors contributing to the prevalence of GAD and its gender differences in Korean adults.
Method: Data were sourced from 8th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), including 5,303 participants aged 19 years or older. Generalized anxiety disorder was defined as a score of 10 points or higher on the GAD-7 scale.
Results: Occupation(OR=2.534,p=0.014) and perceived stress(OR=0.162, p<0.001) were significant factors for GAD prevalence in men, whereas educational level(OR=0.823, p=0.011), perceived stress(OR=0.167, p<0.001), marital status(OR=0.582, p=0.007) were significant factors in women.
Discussion & Conclusions: Overall, GAD prevalence was associated with female sex, single marital status, low income, low educational attainment, and high perceived stress. When stratified by gender, unemployment and perceived stress were significantly related to GAD in men, while single marital status, low educational attainment, and perceived stress were identified as contributing factors in women.
The results reaffirm that GAD is a disorder influenced by diverse psychosocial factors, consistent with prior research. The significance of this study lies in the finding that, in addition to previously recognized factors like low educational attainment and perceived stress, GAD is also influenced by contemporary social issues prominent in Korea, such as the increase in single-person households, low marriage rates, and unstable employment. Therefore, the findings of this study can serve as evidence for developing national prevention and intervention strategies for GAD.
The results reaffirm that GAD is a disorder influenced by diverse psychosocial factors, consistent with prior research. The significance of this study lies in the finding that, in addition to previously recognized factors like low educational attainment and perceived stress, GAD is also influenced by contemporary social issues prominent in Korea, such as the increase in single-person households, low marriage rates, and unstable employment. Therefore, the findings of this study can serve as evidence for developing national prevention and intervention strategies for GAD.
In sessions