Anxiety Disorders and Academic Performance Among Senior Secondary Students in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions affecting adolescents worldwide, with significant implications for educational outcomes. This study explores the relationship between anxiety disorders and academic performance among senior secondary school students in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional design will be employed, recruiting 300 students from six public secondary schools across urban and peri-urban areas through stratified random sampling. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale will be used to assess anxiety symptoms, while academic performance will be measured using the most recent end-of-term results. Sociodemographic data including parental education, household income, family structure, and school type will also be collected. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression will be used to analyze associations. Recent evidence from Nigerian educational contexts suggests that examination pressure, teacher-student relationships, and family expectations significantly contribute to adolescent anxiety. This study will provide locally relevant data to support the development of school-based mental health programs in Enugu State. Recommendations will be directed at school counselors, teachers, the state ministry of education, and community health workers. Keywords: anxiety, academic performance, adolescents, Enugu State, secondary school