PREVALENCE OF GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER AMONG FEMALE MEDICAL UNDERGRADUATES WITH DISORDERED EATING: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and disordered eating behaviours are co-occurring psychological challenges faced by female medical students. This study investigates the prevalence of GAD and its association with disordered eating in a high-stress academic environment. The cross-sectional study was conducted at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital in Chennai, India, over four months (April 2025- July 2025) and involved 362 female MBBS students aged 18 to 25 years. Anxiety symptoms and the risk of disordered eating were measured using standardized screening tools: the GAD-7 and EAT-26, along with a demographic proforma. Prevalence and associations were determined through descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Findings indicate that 35.6 percent of participants exhibit GAD symptoms, with 13.5 percent experiencing moderate anxiety and 7.5 percent suffering from severe anxiety. At the same time, 28.2 percent of students surpassed the cutoff for disordered eating, and more than two-thirds of these individuals exhibited moderate-to-severe GAD. Disordered eating is also a significant predictor of GAD (adjusted OR = 4.78), even when accounting for academic stress and poor sleep quality. The results highlight a severe comorbidity, likely stemming from maladaptive coping, perfectionism, and performance anxiety prevalent in competitive medical environments. The research underscores the necessity for combined mental health screening and institutional support interventions tailored specifically for female medical students. Early identification, coupled with mental health promotion within the curriculum and a peer support system, is crucial for providing psychological support and building resilience in this population