Prevalence of Social Anxiety and Associated Risk Factors Among Adults in the United Arab Emirates Following the COVID-19 Lockdown

TL;DR

This study found that social anxiety increased significantly in the UAE after the COVID-19 lockdown, especially among younger adults, women, and those with certain personality traits.

Contribution

The study identifies specific demographic and personality risk factors for social anxiety in the UAE post-lockdown.

Findings

Severe social anxiety was more common in females (29.6%) than males (16.3%) after the lockdown.

Younger adults (18-35) had a higher prevalence of social anxiety (33.1%) compared to older adults (13.0%).

Personality traits like openness and emotional stability were linked to higher social anxiety severity.

Abstract

Background

Social anxiety has been a persistent matter among adults and has peaked during the span of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the nationwide preventive methods implemented to control the spread of the virus was quarantine, which caused isolation and issues like social anxiety. This study aims to assess social anxiety levels among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the COVID-19 lockdown and identify major risk factors and personality traits associated with social anxiety.

Methodology

Individuals aged 18 years and above were recruited using snowball sampling methods through a cross-sectional online survey. The survey consisted of questions on demographics, COVID-19 infection, quarantine conditions, and standard scales, including the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI).

Results

A total of 409 participants were included in the study, with severe social anxiety observed in 81 (29.6%) of females and 22 (16.3%) of males. Severe social anxiety was significantly more prevalent among younger adults, affecting 82 individuals (33.1%) aged 18-35 compared with 21 individuals (13.0%) aged 36 years and older (P < 0.001). Higher prevalence was also observed among UAE nationals (P = 0.009), students (P < 0.001), and unmarried individuals (P < 0.001). A prior diagnosis of social anxiety was associated with an increased likelihood of severe social anxiety following the lockdown, and individuals who had contracted COVID-19 or were concerned about contracting the virus reported higher levels of social anxiety. Additionally, participants with high levels of openness to experience (18, 41.9%), emotional stability (24, 41.4%), conscientiousness (36, 39.1%), and agreeableness (21, 41.2%) demonstrated significantly greater social anxiety severity.

Conclusions

The prevalence of social anxiety is significantly high following the COVID-19 lockdown. Vulnerable groups, such as young people, women, unmarried individuals, and those with elevated levels of certain personality traits, should receive appropriate interventions.

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