PREVALENCE OF PHOBIAS, TYPES, AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH IT

Abstract

Background: Although specific phobia is highly prevalent, associated with impairment, and an important risk factor for the development of other mental disorders, cross-national epidemiological data are scarce. The aim of this undertaken research was to assess the different phobias that are prevalent among people and in addition to this the factors are linked with the different phobias.

Methods: A design that would be ideal for proceeding with the research work is descriptive design. This is because the cross-sectional method adhered to and this involves a detailed assessment of the research topic. Therefore the chosen design helped in the detailed description of the aspects of different phobias and factors linked with phobia. The population that considered for executing the research work is people residing in the UK who have issues of different phobias. The age range for considering the people was be 20 to 60 years. A wide range of populations helped in a better understanding of the prevalence of phobia and the factors that are connected with it. The sampling method that was implemented for executing this research work was the stratified random technique of sampling.

Results: The current study showed that 359 participants feel that medicines hold the potential of treating phobias (46.6%). Most of participants considered that phobias can affect people of any age (n= 649, 84.3%). There were 81 participants believed that phobia is incurable (10.5%). Fear was the most frequent factor leading to phobia (n= 467, 60.6%). Leading a life with a phobia was very painful among 495 participants (64.3%). The most frequent symptom of phobias as reported by study participants was racing heart (n= 430, 55.8%).

Conclusion: The study investigated the prevalence of various phobias and the variables associated with them. The evaluation of the relevant literature aided in a more thorough study of the research subject and its execution. Half of the participants in the present research believe that drugs have the ability to cure phobias. The majority of respondents said that phobias may afflict individuals of any age. 10% of respondents felt that phobia is incurable. Fear was the most prevalent cause of phobias. Living with a phobia was very distressing for two-thirds of the subjects. Participants in the research identified racing heart as the most prevalent sign of phobias.