Adults With Asthma More Likely to Have Psychological Distress and Depression

Patients with asthma are more likely to suffer psychological distress and depressive symptoms compared with patients without asthma, according to research presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) 2023 Annual Meeting, held in San Antonio, Texas, February 24 to 27.

Investigators aimed to characterize the mental health burden (ie, psychological distress and depressive symptoms) experienced by adults with asthma and to assess patient satisfaction in this population. The primary endpoint was patient satisfaction assessed by the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey.

Researchers conducted an analysis of patients at least 18 years of age with and without a diagnosis of asthma in the 2004 to 2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Patients with asthma were identified using ICD-9 codes; the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire were used to evaluate psychological distress and depressive symptoms. The association between mental health symptoms and patient satisfaction were evaluated with multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for health status and sociodemographic characteristics.

The study cohort included 182,000 patients; of those 9.1% (n=16,568) were adults with asthma. The analysis found that those with asthma had greater depressive symptoms than those without (15.5% vs 8.8%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.21-1.39) and greater psychological distress (10.5% vs 5.0%, respectively; aOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1,34-1.57).

Additionally, mental health burden was associated with a higher likelihood of low patient satisfaction in adults with asthma (depressive symptoms: aOR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.55-2.01; psychological distress: aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.62-2.15).

Investigators concluded that “Psychological distress and depressive symptoms were more common in asthma patients compared to those without asthma, and associated with lower patient satisfaction.”

This article originally appeared on Pulmonology Advisor