Abstract:
Anxiety is a common mental health concern worldwide, with a growing burden in Bangladesh. This study investigates the prevalence of anxiety among women of reproductive age, emphasizing rural–urban disparities and examining how sociodemographic factors and nutritional status contribute to anxiety across these geographic contexts. Data were obtained from the 2022 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. Anxiety was assessed using the GAD-7 scale, with scores ≥10 indicating moderate-to-severe anxiety. Multivariable multilevel logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals for associated factors. Among women, 22.11% reported mild anxiety (22.63% rural; 20.81% urban) and 4.37% moderate-to-severe anxiety (4.50% rural; 4.05% urban). Women aged 35–49 years had higher odds (rural AOR = 2.004; national AOR = 1.75). Relative to Dhaka, anxiety risk was greater in Khulna (AOR = 1.86) and Sylhet (AOR = 1.74). Muslim women and those in urban areas with secondary education showed increased odds. Agricultural and nonworking women had lower odds than skilled workers. Husbands’ low education and unemployment raised anxiety risk. Those not wanting more children, experiencing family pressure to conceive (AOR = 3.41), justifying wife-beating and with pregnancy termination history faced higher odds. Recent menstruation was protective (AOR = 0.81). Anxiety among Bangladeshi women of reproductive age is influenced by age, region, education, occupation and reproductive health factors. Higher odds were found among older women, the uneducated and those in regions like Sylhet. Family pressure to conceive, domestic violence justification and abortion history were significantly linked to higher anxiety.
