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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.

Last updated: Jul 8, 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 causes chronic inflammation and hypoxia
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Chronic inflammation affects neurotransmitter pathways
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Sleep disturbances and smoking exacerbate mental health risks
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Result: Increased incidence of depression, anxiety, and their comorbidity

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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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.