Asthma predicts increased risk of depression, anxiety, and their comorbidity in Australian men
In a retrospective cohort study of 16,021 Australian men followed from 2014 to 2022, self-reported asthma was associated with a 23% higher risk of depression (RR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.16-1.30), a 12% higher risk of anxiety (RR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.05-1.18), and a 27% higher risk of comorbid depression with anxiety (RR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.17-1.38). The highest prevalence of comorbid depression and anxiety was observed in 2020.
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Asthma predicts increased risk of depression, anxiety, and their comorbidity in Australian men The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Asthma predicts increased risk of depression, anxiety, and their comorbidity in Australian men
This conclusion is most relevant to: 16,021 Australian men aged ≥18 years at baseline from the Ten to Men project.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Asthma as a Predictor of Depression, Anxiety and Their Comorbidity in Australian Men. (American journal of health promotion : AJHP, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Asthma causes chronic inflammation and hypoxia
- ▸Chronic inflammation affects neurotransmitter pathways
- ▸Sleep disturbances and smoking exacerbate mental health risks
- ▸Result: Increased incidence of depression, anxiety, and their comorbidity
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸16,021 Australian men aged ≥18 years at baseline from the Ten to Men project
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Retrospective cohort design limits causal inference
- ▸Asthma and mental health outcomes were self-reported, potentially introducing recall bias
- ▸Confounding by unmeasured variables (e.g., socioeconomic status, medication use) cannot be fully excluded
Frequently Asked Questions
Does asthma cause depression in men?▼
This study found a significant association between asthma and higher risk of depression (23% increased risk) in Australian men, but as an observational study, it cannot prove causation.
What was the prevalence of anxiety in men with asthma?▼
Across survey years, anxiety prevalence ranged from 17.3% to 51.3%, with asthma associated with a 12% higher risk of anxiety compared to those without asthma.
Was the comorbidity of depression and anxiety higher during the COVID-19 pandemic?▼
Yes, the highest prevalence of comorbid depression with anxiety (28%) was reported in 2020, which aligns with the pandemic period.
What other risk factors were identified besides asthma?▼
Significant risk factors included survey year (2020 and 2022), sleep disturbances, and being a former or current smoker.
References
- 1.Mgbemena N, John EE, Anyasodor AE, Wong KC, MacFarlane T, Agho K, Osuagwu UL. “Asthma as a Predictor of Depression, Anxiety and Their Comorbidity in Australian Men..” American journal of health promotion : AJHP, 2026. PMID: 42400292 DOI: 10.1177/08901171261465985