Investigation of general anxiety disorder and stressors associate with such symptoms in undergraduate students study UGC-funded and self-financed programs in Hong Kong

Objective: This study aimed to compare the anxiety level and stressors experienced by two groups of university students (UGC-funded and Self-financed programs) in Hong Kong.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was employed which includes the seven-item questionnaire of General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) used to measure students’ anxiety level, University Stress Scale (USS) used to identify the stressors and social-demographic questionnaire. A total of 205 students from eight universities and other institutions were invited to complete the questionnaire and the data collected will be analyzed by SPSS.
Results: Among the responses (n=205) analyzed, 77.1% of respondents indicated mild to severe general anxiety symptoms and 68.3% got over 13 marks in University Stress Scale (clinical cut-off in the USS, indicative of psychological problems). Medium correlation (0.445) is noted between GAD and USS score. It is noted that UGC students have higher GAD score compared to SF students while similar USS score noted. Same anxiety level and stressors are shared by UGC and SF students. Academic demand and Procrastination are the main stressors experienced by students while childcare and sexual orientation cause the least stress. Students with different majors and year of study have negative significant to GAD and USS score.
Conclusion: High anxiety rate and psychological problem noted among university students in Hong Kong. UGC students indicated a higher GAD score compared to SF group but they are in same anxiety level. Same stressors were noted in both group and it illustrates the need for prevention measures and mental health supporting services.