한국 성인의 알레르기 비염과 우울증의 관계: 2016년, 2018년, 2020년 국민건강영양조사 자료 분석

The Relationship Between Allergic Rhinitis and Depression in Korean Adults

This study, targeting adults aged 19 and above, utilized data from the 2016, 2018, and 2020 Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey to investigate the association between allergic rhinitis and depression. The results indicated that individuals with allergic rhinitis had a 1.86 times higher prevalence rate of depression compared to those without, as measured by the Cross Ratio. This association persisted even after adjusting for age, gender, education level, marital status, body mass index (BMI), alcohol and smoking habits, physical activity, and the presence of hypertension and diabetes, with allergic rhinitis individuals showing a 2.01 times higher likelihood of depression. Gender-based analysis revealed that depression was more prevalent in both men and women with allergic rhinitis, with a more pronounced tendency in women (OR: 1.99 [1.59-2.50]). Age-specific analysis particularly highlighted higher depression rates in the 19-39 age group (OR: 2.10 [1.59-2.75]) and those over 65 (OR: 2.13 [1.32-3.43]). These findings suggest the need for not only treating allergies but also early detection and management of mental health issues like depression.