Naved Iqbal
Jamia Millia Islamia, India
Title: Prevalence of Social Anxiety during Covid-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Biography
Biography: Naved Iqbal
Abstract
Novel coronavirus led to significant disturbance throughout the globe, deteriorating mental health. Researchers suggested that imposed lockdowns and restricted movements during covid-19 had increased the probability of getting social anxiety. Studies reported different prevalence rates, some studies reported a very low prevalence (2-3%) whereas, others reported a very high prevalence (66-93%). Therefore, the current study investigated the overall prevalence of social anxiety during the covid-19 pandemic using the effect sizes of all the studies, proposing the prevalence of social anxiety during the pandemic period. The random effect model was used in the current systematic review and meta-analysis, following the assumption of different sources of heterogeneity. A systematic review was conducted, in addition to forest plot and sensitivity analysis suggesting that the Covid-19 pandemic had drastically increased the chances of getting social anxiety from at least 28% to 34%. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot, in addition to Egger’s regression test and trim and fill method. Moderator analysis of study-level data like age, gender, location, study design, and risk of bias was also performed and it was found that these moderators were insignificant and brought no or very little changes in the analysis. The protocol of the study was also registered in PROSPERO with CRD42022375902.