Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Its Association with Employment Rate

Background: The three most prevalent mental health issues in Bangladesh are stress, anxiety, and depression. Another mental health disorder that maintains the capability to disrupt normal functioning of an individual is called ‘Social Anxiety disorder’ (SAD). Symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) can reduce output, raise absenteeism, and impair job satisfaction. Employees with mental health disorders may find it difficult to focus, fulfill deadlines, or work well with others. Objective: To observe the social anxiety disorder (SAD) and its association with employment rate and workforce settings. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done to assess social anxiety among employees. The study was carried out from January 2021 to December 2022 at various formal employments in Dhaka city for people over the age of 18, both male and female, who had been working for more than one year. Workers receiving treatment for mental health issues were excluded from the study. The anticipated final sample size was 120 people divided into two groups: 60 people with Social Anxiety Disorder and 60 people who did not have it. This study employed a convenient sampling strategy. Participants who agreed to participate and met the selection criteria were chosen as a sample. Results: In the group of individuals with social anxiety disorder, 49 (81.7%) were employed, while 57 (95.0%) were not. Conclusion: The study reveals a strong link between social anxiety disorder (SAD) and lower employment rates, with individuals with SAD facing higher unemployment.