Anxiety Unveiled: A Cross-Sectional Study on High School Students in Rural Tamil Nadu

Rajan Edward Daniel  Thomas; Vedapriya Dande  Rajasekar; Sanjutha  Arumugam; Harishma Ramesh; Vinoth Gnana  Chellaiyan; Vigneshsamy  Muthuchamy

doi:10.55489/njcm.151220244573

Authors

Rajan Edward Daniel Thomas Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, India https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0605-6486
Vedapriya Dande Rajasekar Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, India
Sanjutha Arumugam Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, India https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2684-1025
Harishma Ramesh Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, India https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2143-2881
Vinoth Gnana Chellaiyan Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4652-3184
Vigneshsamy Muthuchamy Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, India https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2365-4195

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.151220244573

Keywords:

Adolescents, Mental health, Anxiety, Rural, Students

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a unique phase of human growth, marked by rapid cognitive, psycho-social, and physical development. Despite being a period of resilience, mental illnesses often begin during this stage. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety disorders among high school students in rural Tamil Nadu.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in high schools in the rural areas of Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. High school students aged 12 to 15 years of both genders were included using a systematic random sampling method. A total of 234 students were interviewed using the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS-Child) questionnaire to assess anxiety levels. Qualitative variables were described using mean and standard deviation, and ANOVA was applied to explore associations between anxiety and determining factors.

Results: Panic/agoraphobia emerged as the most common anxiety disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobia were higher in girls, while panic/agoraphobia, fear of physical injury, general, and separation anxiety were more prevalent in boys. Children with fathers in white-collar jobs showed higher panic/agoraphobia and general anxiety (Mean±SD: 12.13±4.5, p < 0.02), while those from lower socioeconomic classes had more separation anxiety (Mean±SD: 6.86±2.7, p < 0.02). Anxiety disorders were higher among children from joint or three-generation families.

Conclusion: There is a significant prevalence of anxiety among adolescents, with clear correlations to sociodemographic factors. Enhancing protective factors and addressing modifiable risks at the school level is crucial to improving adolescent mental health services.

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