Burden of anxiety disorders in South Korea and cross-sectional associations of meal frequency, meal companionship, and eating-out frequency with probable anxiety symptoms
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective Anxiety disorders are a major public health concern in South Korea, but evidence linking burden trends with modifiable meal behaviors is scarce. This study examined trends in the burden of anxiety disorders in South Korea, as well as the associations of meal frequency, eating alone, and eating out with probable anxiety symptoms. Methods Two complementary, non-linked sources were used: GBD 2021 estimates (1990–2021) of anxiety disorder incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age–period–cohort patterns; and the 2022–2024 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) ( n = 16,272 adults); weighted multivariable logistic regression related meal behaviors to probable anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 ≥ 10). Results Modeled age-standardized incidence and DALY rates rose (AAPC 0.357% and 0.315%/year), steepest in 2019–2021; point estimates were higher among women and working-age adults, and population growth drove most DALY increases. In KNHANES, infrequent breakfast, lunch, and dinner (dose–response for lunch and dinner), eating alone, infrequent meals combined with solo eating, and almost never eating out were associated with higher odds of probable anxiety symptoms. Conclusions Anxiety disorder burden increased over three decades. Irregular meals, solo eating, and very infrequent eating out were associated with probable anxiety symptoms and may be behavioral markers for prevention, pending longitudinal studies.
Source: Preventive Medicine Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,610
OpenAlex ID: W7221462251