A New Article Published by Shant Torkom Yeretzian (MPH ’22)

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YEREVAN, Armenia — Shant Torkom Yeretzian (MPH ’22), M.D., a 2022 graduate of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program of the Turpanjian College of Health Sciences (CHS), American University of Armenia (AUA), published a second article, also based on research conducted for his MPH thesis, in the Journal of Psychiatric Research. This peer-reviewed academic journal by Elsevier exclusively publishes innovative and timely research. The article titled “Sex differences in the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety disorders in Canada: A population-based study” was co-authored by CHS faculty members Lusine Abrahamyan (MPH ’03), M.D., Ph.D., Yeva Sahakyan (MPH ’11), M.D., M.Sc., and Nicole Kozloff, M.D., S.M., FRCPC from the University of Toronto. The first paper from his MPH thesis project was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

This cross-sectional study uses data from the nationally representative sample of the Canadian Community Health Survey 2017-2018 to evaluate sex differences in the prevalence of anxiety disorders and associated factors among the Canadian population. Through Gender-Based Analysis Plus, the study uses an analytical framework that integrates intersecting identity characteristics into the research. The results shed light on the disproportionate prevalence of anxiety disorders among females in Canada, highlighting the need for more targeted interventions. 

Additionally, the study identifies several socioeconomic and identity factors associated with anxiety disorders, such as employment, income, food insecurity, race, sexual orientation, disability, and sense of community belonging. Notably, this research breaks new ground in mental health research revealing that age, sexual orientation, household income, and employment status have differential effects on anxiety disorders in males and females. 

Starting fall 2023, Shant Torkom Yeretzian will pursue a Ph.D. in Health Systems Research at the University of Toronto Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation on full scholarship.

The AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of health professionals to be leaders in public health, nursing, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.