TITLE:
Associated Factors and Impacts of Social Phobia on Academic Performance among Students from the University of Parakou (UP)
AUTHORS:
Anselme Djidonou, Francis Tognon Tchégnonsi, Thierry Adoukonou, Iréti Nethania Elie Ataïgba, Chérifath Nawale Assa-Issa, Prosper Gandaho
KEYWORDS:
Social Phobia, Students, Impacts, Academic Performance, UP/Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.6 No.2,
March
22,
2016
ABSTRACT: Background: Social phobia
disrupts students in their academic career. The aim of this research work was
to study this anxious disorder impact on the academic performance among
students from the University of Parakou (UP). Study methods: It was a
descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection among 363
students recruited through systematic random sampling from April to June 2015
at the campus of the UP. A questionnaire including the Mini International
Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Liebowitz social anxiety intensity
evaluation scale and the ASSIST was used for data collection in compliance with
recommended ethical principles. Results and Conclusion Social phobia prevalence
among students from the campus of University of Parakou was 11. 6% [CI95%= 10. 9 - 21. 2]. Its intensity was
moderate (66.7%), medium (23.4%), severe (7.1%) and very severe (4.8%) only
among female students. Moreover, gender, rural or urban living environment and
field of study were statistically associated with this social phobia which
reduced academic performance by 57.1%, among the studied population. However,
42.9% were not influenced in any way. Addiction to alcoholic beverages (23.8%)
and anxiolytics (9.5%) were used to overcome the disorder. Although the risk of
dependency to these substances was low, adverse effects on their health and
socio-professional future were to be taken seriously.