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Asthma predicts higher 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 significantly higher risks of depression (RR=1.23), anxiety (RR=1.12), and comorbid depression with anxiety (RR=1.27). The highest prevalence of comorbid depression and anxiety was observed in 2020.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Asthma as a Predictor of Depression, Anxiety and Their Comorbidity in Australian Men.

observational

Mgbemena N, John EE, Anyasodor AE, Wong KC, MacFarlane T, Agho K, Osuagwu UL · American journal of health promotion : AJHP (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 8 years (2014-2022)
Intervention: Asthma (self-reported exposure, not an intervention)
Outcome: Depression, anxiety, and comorbid depression with anxiety (assessed via self-reports and validated screening tools)
Effect Size: RR=1.23 for depression, RR=1.12 for anxiety, RR=1.27 for comorbidity
Population: 16,021 Australian men aged ≥18 years at baseline from the Ten to Men project

Result:

PubMed: 42400292DOI: 10.1177/08901171261465985

Mechanism Graph

Asthma may cause chronic inflammation and hypoxia
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These physiological stressors can dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
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This dysregulation increases vulnerability to mood and anxiety disorders
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Result: Higher risk of depression, anxiety, and their comorbidity

Limitations

  • ⚠Self-reported asthma may introduce misclassification bias
  • ⚠Observational design cannot establish causality
  • ⚠Findings limited to Australian men, may not generalize to women or other populations

Frequently Asked Questions

Does asthma cause depression in men?▼

This study found a significant association, but as an observational study, it cannot prove causation. Asthma was linked to a 23% higher risk of depression in Australian men.

What was the prevalence of anxiety in men with asthma?▼

Anxiety prevalence ranged from 17.3% to 51.3% across survey years, with asthma associated with a 12% higher risk of anxiety.

Were sleep disturbances considered in this study?▼

Yes, sleep disturbances were identified as a significant risk factor for mental health conditions in men with asthma.

How large was the study sample?▼

The study included 16,021 Australian men, followed over four waves from 2014 to 2022.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.