Illness Anxiety Disorder Among Adults in the General Population in Iran: Findings from a Population-Based Survey

Background: Patients with illness anxiety disorder often seek medical cares, which in turn imposes financial costs on themselves and the country’s medical system. They also face social and occupational disablements. The present study aimed to evaluate illness anxiety disorder and associated factors among adults aged 18-50 years in Kerman city, southeast Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited a multi-stage random sample of 630 people aged 18-50 years from November 2019 to February 2020. The Evans illness anxiety disorder questionnaire was used to assess this disorder. Data were described using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations (SD) for population estimates and indices. Data were compared across groups using Chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, and multivariable linear regression tests. Results: The overall mean (±SD) score of illness anxiety disorder was 26.2 (±10.2), which falls in the "borderline" category (i.e., below "mild"). The prevalence of any illness anxiety disorder was estimated at 31.4% (95% confidence intervals [CI] 28.7, 35.2). In the final multivariable linear regression model, the female sex was associated with illness anxiety disorder compared to the male (beta 1.55, 95% CI 0.06, 3.18, P=0.06). Conclusion: This study found that nearly one-third of the general adult population of the Kerman city, Iran, exhibited some level of illness anxiety disorder. Findings suggest the need for evidence-informed programs to increase the knowledge and awareness of people about illness anxiety disorder and reduce associated harms and vulnerabilities.