Psychiatric disorders among generation Z: findings from four psychiatric facilities of Bangladesh

Abstract

Generation Z (Gen Z), demographic cohort born between 1997-2012, experienced digital advances, economic uncertainties, climate change and pandemic which made them susceptible to mental health issues. The main aim of this study is to examine psychiatric morbidity among Gen Z of Bangladesh. Moreover, current stressful event, level of stress, duration of daily social media use, daily sleep duration, and substance abuse history were examined. A cross-sectional survey design was conducted to collect data from October, 2024 to March, 2025 in four psychiatric facilities of Savar and Manikganj. 204 participants who were mostly female (53.92%), married (58.82%), students (45.59%), and rural residents (55.39%) participated in this study. Major Depressive Disorder (24.51%) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (24.51%) were found to be the most common psychiatric disorders. Relationship issue (14.22%) and familial disharmony (11.27%) were reported as the most current stressful events. 84.81% of the participants were mentioned to be in different level of stress. Excessive social media use (mean= 3.31 hours per day; SD= 2.53) and problematic sleeping pattern (mean= 4.94 hours per day; SD= 1.94) were identified as well. 24.51% participants reported substance abuse history. Bangladesh needs to plan accessible mental health support for Gen Z considering result of this research.

Bang J Psychiatry 2025;39(1): 1-5