Depression in family members of a patient with asthma: The Korean national health and nutrition examination survey 2007-2012

Abstract

Objectives: We investigated whether the rate of depressive symptom is higher among family members of asthmatic patient compared to people who had no asthmatic family member. Methods: This study used data from the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2012). In this cross-sectional study, 15,987 men (mean age 46.4) and 20,906 women (mean age 47.4) were included. To compare the rate of depressive symptoms in individuals who had a family member with asthma and those who did not have, we analyzed data using survey logistic regression. Results: Diagnosed depression was reported by 3.0% of the study population, by 4.2% of asthmatic patient's family member, and by 3.0% of individuals who did not have a family member with asthma. Family members of asthmatic patient increased odds of diagnosed depression compared with those who did not had an asthmatic family member (odds ratio = 1.56, p = 0.008). Conclusions: To prevent depression among family members of asthmatic patient, health education for entire family of asthmatic patient need to be considered. Also, government and policy makers should give more attention to caregivers who had a family member with asthma.