Prevalence and correlates of hoarding behavior in a community-based sample

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Hoarding behavior's prevalence and associated factors in the general population are not well-understood.
• Existing research often focuses on clinical samples, limiting generalizability to community settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of hoarding behavior within a community sample.
• To identify and evaluate correlates associated with hoarding in the general population.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 742 participants in the Hopkins Epidemiology of Personality Disorder Study.
• Employed statistical analyses to determine prevalence rates and identify significant associations.

Main Results:

• The estimated prevalence of hoarding was approximately 4% (5.3% weighted).
• Hoarding was more common in older individuals, men, and those with lower household income.
• Significant associations were found with alcohol dependence, specific personality disorder traits (paranoid, schizotypal, avoidant, obsessive-compulsive), childhood insecurities, and parental psychopathology.

Conclusions:

• Hoarding behavior appears to be a relatively prevalent condition in the community.
• Alcohol dependence, various personality disorder traits, and adverse childhood experiences are significant correlates of hoarding.
• Findings highlight the need for further research and potential interventions targeting these associated factors.