Cross-sectional study of anxiety disorders in Kunming

Objective This survey investigated the prevalence of anxiety disorder in Kunming City. Methods A representative sample of the Kunming general population composed of 5033 individuals aged 15 years and older was interviewed from November 2005 to January 2006 using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview Version 2.1 (CIDI, version 2.1) for assessment. Results The weighted lifetime prevalence rates of anxiety disorder were 7.05% for total, 5.34% for the male and 8.89% for the female. The most prevalent disorders were specific phobia (5.64%), and the lowest was panic disorder (0.14%). The odds ratio of anxiety disorders was higher in the female than male. The median onset age of anxiety disorder was 16 years. Anxiety disorders were significantly comorbided with substance use, mood disorders and pain disorder of the 4th edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Conclusions The prevalence of anxiety in Kunming City is high, with the characteristics of early onset, chronic process and high comorbidity with other mental disorders. It's necessary to enhance prevention and treatment for anxiety disorders. Key words: Anxiety disorders;  Prevalence;  Comorbidity;  Factor analysis, statistical;  CIDI