Journal article
Asthma as a Predictor of Depression, Anxiety and Their Comorbidity in Australian Men
American journal of health promotion, Vol.First online, pp.1-13
04/07/2026
PMID: 42400292
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Purpose: Examine the long-term association between asthma and mental health conditions in Australian men.
Design: Retrospective cohort study.
Setting: Ten to Men project from four waves (2014-2022).
Subjects: 16,021 Australian men (aged ≥ 18 years) at baseline.
Measures: Exposure was self-reported asthma. Outcome measures were depression, anxiety and their comorbidity, assessed through self-reports and validated screening tools. Key covariates included survey year (waves), sociodemographic, lifestyle variables and comorbidities.
Analysis: Chi-square test (χ²) of independence for prevalence analysis and generalised estimating equation models for examining associations between asthma and mental health conditions, adjusting for relevant covariates.
Results: Across survey years, the prevalence of depression ranged from 12.8% to 33.2%, while anxiety ranged from 17.3% to 51.3%. Comorbid depression with anxiety ranged from 11% to 28%, with the highest prevalence reported in 2020. Asthma was significantly associated with higher risks of depression (RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.30), anxiety (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.18), and comorbid depression with anxiety (RR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.38). Significant risk factors included survey year (2020 and 2022), sleep disturbances and being a former or current smoker.
Conclusion: A significant association between asthma and mental health disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and their comorbidity was identified in Australian men. These highlight the need for an integrated approach to respiratory and mental health care, with particular emphasis on targeted screening and interventions.
Details
- Title
- Asthma as a Predictor of Depression, Anxiety and Their Comorbidity in Australian Men
- Creators
- Nnamdi Mgbemena - Southern Cross UniversityEme E John - Western Sydney UniversityAnayochukwu E Anyasodor - Charles Sturt UniversityKam C Wong - University of SydneyTracy MacFarlane - Western Sydney UniversityKingsley Agho - Western Sydney UniversityUchechukwu L Osuagwu - Western Sydney University
- Publication Details
- American journal of health promotion, Vol.First online, pp.1-13
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Grant note
The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
- Identifiers
- 991013386650202368
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2026.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article