Prevalence and Determinants of Anxiety Disorder among Undergraduate Students of Islamabad

Abstract

Among undergraduate students globally, anxiety disorder is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses. The academic achievement, mental health, and quality of life of students are all significantly impacted by anxiety disorders. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of anxiety disorder among undergraduate students at an Islamabad semigovernment institution. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire developed in Google Forms, which included socio-demographic information, potential risk factors, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale to measure anxiety levels. A total of 382 students were enrolled using purposive sampling in this cross-sectional study design. Descriptive statistics were applied to assess the prevalence of anxiety, while inferential statistics were used to identify associations between anxiety and variables such as social support, academic stress, financial difficulties, and digital media use. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 27). The findings revealed a high prevalence of anxiety, with academic pressure, limited social support, and financial challenges emerging as the strongest contributors, alongside notable influences of excessive digital media use and poor sleep patterns. The study concludes that anxiety is a major and growing concern among university students, underscoring the urgent need for institutions to strengthen mental health awareness, provide accessible and stigma-free counseling services, and develop structured support systems that promote early identification, resilience-building, and overall student well-being.