Prevalence of anxiety disorder among mainland residents in China: a meta-analysis

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of anxiety disorder among China mainland residents in studies published from 1982 to 2012 through meta-analysis. Methods According to predefined selection criteria and exclusion criteria,epidemiological studies published during 1982 to 2012,on anxiety disorders among mainland general population in China were identified through searching Chinese Biological Medical Literature Database,Chongqing VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals,Wanfang Database,Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure,EMBASE and Pub Med.Hand searches of cross references were also conducted for further references.The quality of included studies were evaluated by Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE).R-2.15.0 software was employed for statistical analysis. Results Twentyfive studies were included (a total of 196 020 people).The overall point prevalence of anxiety disorder was 1.0% (95% CI=0.7%-1.4%),twelve-month prevalence was 4.5% (95% CI=2.7%-7.5%),and lifetime prevalence was 3.2% (95% CI=2.1%-4.7%).The point prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder were 0.6% (95% CI=0.4%-0.9%) and 0.2% (95% CI=0.1%-0.4%) respectively.The pooled prevalence rates were 1.3% (95% CI=0.3%-4.7%) for the young and 3.0% (95% CI=1.2%-7.4%) for the middle-aged and 7.1% (95% CI=5.4%-9.2%) for older adults.The rates for urban and rural were 2.8% (95% CI=1.1%-7.5%) and 2.9% (95% CI=1.5%-5.6%).The prevalence during 1982 to 1992 survey was 0.3% (95% CI=0.1%-0.6%),during 1993 to 2000 was 0.5% (95% CI=0.2%-1.1%) and after 2001 was 2.8% (95% CI=2.1%-3.8%).The prevalence according to different diagnostic criteria were 0.3% (95% CI=0.1%-0.8%) for CCMD and 3.2% (95% CI=2.3%-4.4%) for ICD or DSM.Included studies were assessed by STROBE criteria,the average score was 14.36 (SD=3.17). Conclusions Compared with other countries,the overall prevalence of anxiety disorder is lower in China.Middle aged and elderly may be risk factors.The prevalence in studies conducted after 2001 and with the criteria of ICD or DSM is higher.The quality of reporting needs further improvement. Key words: Anxiety disorders; Prevalence; Meta-analysis; China