Prevalence and risk factors for depression in Korean adult patients with asthma: is there a difference between elderly and non-elderly patients?

Abstract

Depression is an important comorbidity of asthma. However, little information is

available about depression and its potential impact on asthma control in Korean

adult asthma patients. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for

depression in Korean adults with persistent asthma. The 127 non-elderly (20-64

yr) and 75 elderly (>/=65 yr) patients with asthma were recruited. Demographic

and clinical data were extracted, and the patients completed the Asthma Specific

Quality of Life (AQOL) questionnaire and asthma control test (ACT). Depression

status was defined using the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9

(PHQ-9). Depression was more prevalent in non-elderly (18.9%) than in elderly

patients with asthma (13.3%). Patients with depression were significantly

younger, had lower economic status, shorter disease duration, poorer asthma

control, and worse AQOL scores (P<0.05). Within the non-elderly group, younger

age and shorter disease duration were significantly associated with depression

(P<0.05). Within the elderly group, a higher body mass index and current smoking

status were significantly associated with depression (P<0.05). The PHQ-9 score

was significantly correlated with worse ACT and AQOL scores in both groups. In

conclusion, depression is strongly associated with poor asthma control and

quality of life in Korean adult asthma patients. Our results provide important

clues that used to target modifiable factors which contribute to development of

depression in asthma patients.