Prevalence of Anxiety Among Young Adult: A Case Study in Meghalaya, India

Anxiety is a significant mental-health concern among young adults, particularly college students who face academic demands, social pressures, and personal challenges. Understanding the prevalence of anxiety and its association with demographic characteristics is essential for identifying students' mental-health needs and developing appropriate support strategies. To determine the prevalence of anxiety among young adults and examine its association with selected demographic variables, namely academic year, gender, and type of family. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 students enrolled in a professional college in Meghalaya, India, during July 2026. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics. Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the 14-item Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Data were analysed using PSPP, employing frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests to assess the association between anxiety and selected demographic variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The findings revealed a higher prevalence of anxiety among female students (74.2%) than male students (45.5%). A statistically significant association was observed between gender and anxiety (p = 0.003). However, no statistically significant association was found between anxiety and type of family (p = 0.918) or academic year (p = 0.062). Tension, anxious mood, and intellectual difficulties were among the most frequently reported symptoms. Anxiety symptoms constitute an important mental-health concern among young adults in the selected college. The significant association between gender and anxiety underscores the importance of accessible mental-health services and appropriate student support. Integrating mental-health awareness, early screening, counselling, and stress-management programmes into college settings may help promote students' psychological well-being. Further studies involving larger and more diverse student populations are recommended to strengthen the evidence base.