Analysis of the Association between Asthma and Depression in Korean Adults by Gender and Menopausal Status: KNHANES 2016, 2018, and 2020

This study examined the correlation between asthma and depression by menopausal status using data from the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2016 and 2018 and the Eighth KNHANES 2020.The differences between men and women before and after menopause were categorized based on the biological characteristics.A total of 16,318 participants (men=7,221, premenopausal women=4,423, postmenopausal women=4,674) were analyzed.Linear and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted in each group to evaluate the association between asthma and depression.The PHQ-9 scores and allergic rhinitis were positively correlated with asthma in all groups, confirming a strong association between asthma and depression.Although age was the only significant factor for men, metabolic factors were identified as the primary predictors of depression severity in premenopausal women with asthma.In postmenopausal women with asthma, lifestyle variables, such as regular exercise and current smoking status, were the most significant contributors to predicting depression.Metabolic factors and lifestyle habits significantly mediate the asthma-depression link, particularly in postmenopausal women.Prioritized clinical approaches and personalized management strategies specifically tailored to this vulnerable population are essential to reduce this comorbid burden.