Prevalence of social phobia among university students and sociodemographic factors associated with it: A cross-sectional study from Perak, Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction:

Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder (SAD), is a psychiatric condition marked by an intense fear of social interactions and the worry of being judged or evaluated by others. It ranks as the third most commonly reported mental health disorder, impacting one's self-esteem and perception of their body. It usually begins in early adulthood, especially among college or university students, impacting academic achievement, social abilities, and overall well-being. This study aimed to find the prevalence of social phobia and the key demographic factors associated with it.

Methods:

A total of 305 students from the foundation, diploma, degree, and postgraduate courses, aged between 18-30 years participated in this study. The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) questionnaire was used to assess social phobia.

Results:

The majority of the students were in the age group of 18-24 years (70.8%), female students were 59%, Malaysian 86.9%, and non-medical participants comprised 76.4%. Females had significantly higher levels of social phobia compared with males. The other factors, like nationality, faculty, and level of education, were found insignificant.

Conclusion:

The research reveals that females had significantly higher social phobia, highlighting the need for further investigation into the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and societal factors. Understanding these relationships can help to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies for different gender groups, thereby addressing social phobia's prevalence and impact on individuals' lives.