Screening for anxiety symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Anxiety Scale (CESA) in a household sample...

This study estimated the prevalence of anxiety disorders and analyzed the distribution and predictors of anxiety symptoms in Sergipe, Brazil, using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Anxiety Scale (CESA). A cross-sectional household survey was conducted with 1143 adults between the ages of 18-80. The CESA and sociodemographic and health questionnaires were administered. The CESA demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.90). Overall, the prevalence of anxiety disorders was 13.8% (95% CI = 11.8-15.8), with agoraphobia (10.9%; 95% CI = 9.1-12.7) and social phobia (10.6%; 95% CI = 8.8-12.4) being the most common. Logistic regression analyses showed that distress predicted all anxiety disorder subtypes. A history of depression or anxiety significantly increased the likelihood of agoraphobia and panic disorder. Statistically significant gender differences were observed (p <0.05); women had lower odds of having social phobia (OR = 0.766) and blood-injection-injury phobia (OR = 0.748) than men. The most frequently reported physical symptoms within the total sample (n = 1,143) were heart pounding (8.9%) and sweating (6.9%). The CESA proved effective as a comprehensive screening tool, providing detailed insights into anxiety prevalence in this Brazilian context. However, the cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and clinical interviews are necessary to confirm diagnoses. These findings provide valuable insights for public health initiatives and underscore the need for longitudinal research to better understand the development and progression of anxiety disorders.