Prevalence of anxiety disorders among visitors at a military primary health center in UAE

Abstract

Background: Anxiety disorders are common. However, individuals suffering from anxiety disorders often do not seek treatment. These disorders impose a high individual and societal burden, especially on military personnel and their families, and place a significant burden on healthcare systems as care is often sought from primary care physicians rather than specialized professionals. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and correlates of anxiety among visitors at a Military Primary Health Center.

Results: Anxiety disorders were high in our study population. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) was the most common, while social phobia was less prevalent. 72.5% were 18-40 years old and 63.5% were males. 68% were military personnel, 23% were military personnel family, and the rest were retired. The most common symptoms were sleep disturbances (60.4%), irritability (55%), and restlessness (51.4%). GAD, specific phobia, and panic disorder were more likely in divorced people, and chronic diseases were more likely in people suffering from GAD.

Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety disorders was considerably higher among visitors at a Military Primary Health Center due to the high stress levels and occupational difficulties associated with an unstable social and family life. Counseling services and follow-up of diagnosed cases should be available at the primary health care level for improved healthcare delivery by the primary care or family health physicians.

Keywords: Anxiety disorders; anxiety disorder diagnostic questionnaire (ADDQ); military primary health center.

Figure 1

Occupation of the study participants (n = 303)

Figure 2

Occupation of family member participants (n = 47)

Figure 3

Comorbidities among the study sample (n = 351)

Figure 4

Personal (n = 352) and family history (n = 349) of anxiety among the study sample

Figure 5

Substance use among study sample (n = 351)

Figure 6

Exercise and social activities among study sample (n = 351)

Figure 7

Different types of anxiety disorders among study sample (n = 352)

Figure 8

Physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorder

Figure 9

Effect of anxiety disorders on social life among study sample (n = 118)

Figure 10

Severity rate of anxiety disorders among study sample (n = 117)