Prevalence of common phobias and their socio-demographic correlates in children and adolescents in a traditional developing society

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the most common phobias in children and adolescents and to determine the prevalence, age distribution, and socio-demographic correlates of phobias. Method: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at public and private schools from July 2009 to February 2009. The questionnaire included socio-demographic information, extra-curricular activities and hobbies, behaviour at home and various phobic fears and it was distributed among children aged 6 to 18 years. Psychiatrists determined the definitive diagnosis for various phobias by checking and screening their symptoms. Results: Of the studied subjects, 44% were males and 56% were females. The overall prevalence of phobia in children and adolescents was 19.7%. Among children with phobia, females had higher rates of phobias (62.4% vs 37.6%) than males. Nearly half of total sufferers were in the 12-15 year age group (46.3%). Social phobia (12.7%) was the commonest phobia found followed by agoraphobia (8.6%). Secondary school children were highly afflicted with social phobia (14.9%), agoraphobia (11.7%) and specific phobia (9.6%), while preparatory students (8.3%) were more likely to have 'medical' phobia (fear of physical illness, medical tests and procedures). A significant difference was observed between the age groups in children with agoraphobia (p=0.002). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of phobia in children and adolescents in Qatar was higher than rates found in other epidemiologic studies, with the most common phobias observed being social phobia, agoraphobia and specific phobia.

Social anxiety disorder in medical students: socio-demographic correlates

“…In a study conducted by Bener et al to see prevalence of common phobias in children and adolescents, it was found that phobias were more prevalent in female students (21.9%) than in males (16.8%), with a female to male sex ratio of 1.3:1. 4 SAD was found more in students belonging to age group >21 years (21.87%) but it was not statistically significant. These results are similar to study conducted by Upadhyay, we found that there was no statistically significant difference in social anxiety levels with respect to age and residential status.…”

“…In a study about phobias, conducted by Bener et al shows that phobias are less common among children and adolescents if education of their mother or father is higher but no significant association was found. 4 SAD was found statistically more in students, after age of 18 years, lived at hostel or lived alone (22.05%). This finding is sane as found in a study conducted by Shah et al about social phobia among Indian university students, shown that higher SPIN scores found in students residing in hostel.…”

“…There has been a recent increase in interest regarding Social anxiety disorder (SAD) because of higher-than-expected incidences; and SAD leads to disrupted relationship, severe anxiety and depression. 4 Considerable degree of psychological morbidity has been reported among medical students ranging from stress, interpersonal problems and suicidal ideation to psychiatric disorders (2-7) and they tend to have greater psychological distress than the general population. 5 As Medical education can impose significant psychological stress on medical students, this study was conducted to assess the socio demographic factors associated with SAD in medical students.…”

Shyness: Subtypes, Psychosocial Correlates, and Treatment Interventions

“…SAD is synonymous to social phobia and is the most common anxiety disorder (Bener, Ghuloum, & Dafeeah, 2011). The 12-month prevalence rate of SAD in the United States is approximately 7% (Kessler et al, 2005;Kessler, Petukhova, Sampson, Zaslavsky, & Wittchen, 2012;Ruscio et al, 2008).…”

Komunikasi Terapeutik Orang Tua Dengan Anak Fobia Spesifik

“…Studies published in recent years confirm the high prevalence of specific phobias in the general population, especially in children (Bener, 2011).…”