Authors : Almoeiz Y Hammad, Mala B Absam, Doaa K Babiker
DOI : 10.5005/cjhr-11037-0018
Volume : 2
Issue : 1
Year : 2026
Page No : 9-14
Background: Medical students face intense performance demands that may precipitate social anxiety. Data on social anxiety disorder (SAD) among medical students in Sudan is scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of SAD symptoms among medical students at Karary University, Sudan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Karary University’s Faculty of Medicine from 2023 to 2025 among 194 third-to-fifth-year medical students (response rate: 88.2%). Using the social phobia inventory (SPIN) with a cut-off score of ≥21, data were collected via an anonymous self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 29. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained, with strict confidentiality maintained throughout. Results: The prevalence of clinically significant SAD was 59.8% (n = 116). Mild (23.2%) and moderate (22.7%) symptoms were most common, yet 13.9% had severe/very severe symptoms. Common symptoms included fear of criticism (50.4%), avoidance of public speaking (58.3%), and trembling (43.8%). Bivariate analyses revealed significant associations between SAD severity and younger age (p = 0.038) and a positive family history of anxiety (p = 0.047). No significant associations were found with gender or academic level. Conclusion: There is an alarmingly high burden of social anxiety among medical students at Karary University, with younger students and those with a family history of anxiety being particularly at risk. These findings highlight an urgent need for institutional mental health screening, support services, and interventions to foster a more supportive learning environment. Keywords: Anxiety, Medical students, Prevalence, Social anxiety disorder, Sudan.