Non-fatal health outcomes of anxiety disorders in Ethiopia, from 1990 to 2023

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to provide an updated and comprehensive estimate of the non-fatal burden of anxiety disorders in Ethiopia from 1990 to 2023. Methods This study analyzed the burden of anxiety disorders in Ethiopia using the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2023 estimates. Incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) were estimated using a Bayesian meta-regression tool for disease modeling (DisMod-MR 2.1). Results There were a total of 589,076 new cases (95% UI: 408,183-856,726) and 5,222,731 prevalent cases (95% UI: 3,863,241-7,156,038) of anxiety disorders in Ethiopia in 2023, which resulted in 627,465 YLDs (95% UI: 391,935-951,877). The age-standardized rates of anxiety disorders were 512 new cases per 100,000 population (95% UI: 362-689), 4763 prevalent cases per 100,000 population (95% UI: 3535-6068), and 564 YLDs per 100,000 population (95% UI: 367-831). Sub-nationally, the rates were uniformly distributed by sex. The highest rates were estimated among adolescents. The rates remained similar from 1990 to 2019 and then experienced an upward increase thereafter. Compared to the rates in 1990, there was an increase in the ASPR and ASYLDs in 2023. Conclusion This study revealed that anxiety disorders posed a significant and escalating public health burden in Ethiopia, with adolescents being disproportionately impacted. Policies to prevent anxiety disorders should emphasize improving early detection and care, strengthening adolescent-focused services, and implementing uniform interventions across the country.