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Associations of self-reported anxiety symptoms with health-related quality of life and health behaviors

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Abstract

Background

Anxiety disorders affect approximately 19 million American adults annually and have been associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL), an increased rate of adverse health behaviors, and poor outcomes related to chronic illness in studies conducted in clinical populations. Our study was designed to examine the association of self-reported anxiety symptoms with HRQOL and health behaviors among a representative sample of US community-dwellers.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System,an ongoing, state-based, random-digit telephone survey of the noninstitutionalized US population aged ≥ 18 years. In 2002, HRQOL measures were administered in 18 states and the District of Columbia.

Results

An estimated 15% of persons reported frequent (≥ 14 days in the past 30 days) anxiety symptoms. After adjusting for frequent depressive symptoms and sociodemographic characteristics, those with frequent anxiety symptoms were significantly more likely than those without to report fair or poor general health (vs. excellent, very good, or good general health), frequent physical distress, frequent activity limitations, frequent sleep insufficiency, infrequent vitality, frequent mental distress, and frequent pain. In addition, they were more likely to smoke, to be obese, to be physically inactive, and to drink heavily.

Conclusion

Given their association with impaired HRQOL and adverse health behaviors, our results suggest that assessment of anxiety symptoms should be a facet of routine standard medical examinations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop K-66, Atlanta (GA) 30341, USA

    Tara W. Strine MPH, Daniel P. Chapman PhD, MSc, Rosemarie Kobau MPH & Lina Balluz ScD

Authors
  1. Tara W. Strine MPH
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  2. Daniel P. Chapman PhD, MSc
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  3. Rosemarie Kobau MPH
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  4. Lina Balluz ScD
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Correspondence to Tara W. Strine MPH.

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Strine, T.W., Chapman, D.P., Kobau, R. et al. Associations of self-reported anxiety symptoms with health-related quality of life and health behaviors. Soc Psychiat Epidemiol 40, 432–438 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-005-0914-1

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