Risk factors of social anxiety in medical college students

Abstract

Context: Literature suggests that social anxiety develops due to the complex interplay of multiple risk factors including self-perception and negative life events. We examined the association between these variables and social anxiety among medical students. Aims: The aim is to assess the association of risk factors and social anxiety in medical students. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 334 medical students were given a semi-structured self-reported questionnaire. It enquired about demographic details: self-satisfaction in terms of weight, body image and facial appearance; six negative life events which were conflict between parents, sexual, physical and emotional abuse, family violence and loss of someone close. Social anxiety was assessed using Liebowitz social anxiety scale (LSAS). Data were analysed using SPSS software (Version 16.0., SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Chi-square and Student′s t-tests were used for qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess association between negative life events and social anxiety scores. The value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean standard deviation (SD) age of sample was 18 (1.04) years. Mean (SD) LSAS score was 33 (20). Linear regression analysis adjusted for age, gender and family psychiatric history revealed positive association between LSAS score and dissatisfaction with body image (P = 0.001), dissatisfaction with facial appearance (P = 0.047), and family violence (P = 0.048). Dissatisfaction with weight showed association with social anxiety in univariate analysis, but it could not sustain on regression analysis. Other negative life events were not significantly associated with LSAS score. Conclusions: Development of social anxiety is significantly associated with dissatisfaction with body image and facial appearance. Exposure to family violence is also an associated factor.