Prevalence, associated factors and predictors of anxiety: a community survey in Selangor, Malaysia

Background: Anxiety is the most common mental health disorders in the general population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety, its associated factors and the predictors of anxiety among adults in the community of Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in three districts in Selangor, Malaysia. The inclusion criteria of this study were Malaysian citizens, adults aged 18 years and above, and living in the selected living quarters based on the list provided by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOS). Participants completed a set of questionnaires, including the validated Malay version of Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD 7) to detect anxiety. Results: Of the 2512 participants who were approached, 1556 of them participated in the study (61.90 %). Based on the cut-off point of 8 and above in the GAD-7, the prevalence of anxiety was 8.2 %. Based on the initial multiple logistic regression analysis, the predictors of anxiety were depression, serious problems at work, domestic violence and high perceived stress. When reanalyzed again after removing depression, low self-esteem and high perceived stress, six predictors that were identified are cancer, serious problems at work, domestic violence, unhappy relationship with family, non-organizational religious activity and intrinsic religiosity. Conclusion: This study reports the prevalence of anxiety among adults in the community of Selangor, Malaysia and also the magnitude of the associations between various factors and anxiety

Experiences and perceptions of abused Turkish women regarding violence against women

Bahadir Yilmaz, Emel/0000-0003-1785-3539WOS: 000463787900017PubMed: 30353446This study qualitatively explored abused Turkish women's experiences and perceptions regarding violence against women. The research sample comprised 30 women who were seen by the police and referred to the Family Counseling Center between 2 October 2012 and 30 August 2013 due to domestic violence. Study data were collected using a Demographic Information Datasheet and a Semi-Structured Interview Form. Qualitative data were gathered using face-to-face interviews, which were transcribed verbatim then analyzed and interpreted to determine themes using the conceptual framework. Qualitative analysis yielded five themes: (1) being subjected to all types of violence; (2) everything is an excuse for violence; (3) forgetting what it is like to be a woman; (4) having to continue the marriage against her will; (5) being forced to do some things involuntarily in order to reduce the violence. In the light of these results, it seems that multidisciplinary approaches are required in order to support women both psychologically and socially. Women need to be supported in order to determine their mental health problems and to get the required medical assistance