Korean J Fam Pract.  2024 Jun;14(2):75-81. 10.21215/kjfp.2024.14.2.75.

The Effects of Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale on Health Behavior among Korean Adults: The 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2021)

• Cho A
• Um YJ
• Cho JJ
• Yeo YH
• Suh HN

• KMID: 2556843
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2024.14.2.75

Abstract

Background
Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses in primary care. It is associated with increased reliance on medical care, comorbidities, and poor quality of life. This study is intended to evaluate the relationship between scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale and adult health behavior based on the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2021).
Methods
The study selected 5,191 Korean adults, who completed the survey and evaluation according to KNHANES 2021. To determine the effect of the GAD-7 scale on outpatient visits, underweight, obesity, smoking, drinking, and physical activity, a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed by dividing the sexes.
Results
Among the study subjects, people in the mild, moderate, and severe anxiety groups numbered 560, 141, and 95, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of the probability of outpatient visits within two weeks increased (mild: OR, 1.79; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.46–2.19; moderate: OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.16–2.74; severe: OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.09–2.85) compared to the normal group. The risk of smoking and drinking increased in the moderate group (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.24–3.58; OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.15–2.52). In the subgroup analysis, the probability of outpatient visits increased among both sexes, and the risk of smoking increased among females.
Conclusion
Among Korean adults, the probability of outpatient visits and the risk of smoking and drinking increased in the anxiety group compared to the normal group.

Keyword

GAD-7; Anxiety; Health Behavior; KNHANES