Social anxiety and its effect on self-efficacy among family medicine residents in Riyadh

BACKGROUND: Social anxiety is a common disorder that characterized by fear of social situations. Social anxiety disorder causes several problems including alcohol abuse. Its prevalence is high, and it affects work and education. Self-efficacy influences any action the individual takes. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of social anxiety disorder and its effect on self-efficacy on family medicine residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 200 participants of family medicine residents; two validated scales were incorporated in one questionnaire to investigate the social anxiety and self-efficacy. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of social anxiety was low among family medicine residents, and there was no difference between the levels of anxiety and other demographics, there was a negative correlation between social anxiety levels and self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: There was a negative correlation between social anxiety and self-efficacy, where high levels of social anxiety were related to low levels of self-efficacy.