Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess sex difference in the association between coronary artery disease (CAD) status and depression in a representative nationwide Korean population. METHODS: In total, 4,620 male and 6,151 female aged ≥40 years, who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2014, 2016, and 2018, were included in the analysis. Depression was defined as ≥10 points on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: Among male participants, no significant association between CAD status and depression was observed. However, female with CAD had higher odds ratio (OR) for depression (OR, 2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78-4.03) compared with those without CAD in a multiple logistic regression analysis after adjustment for covariates. Younger age at diagnosis of CAD was a significant relating factor for depression in female; OR (95% CI) was 1.73 (0.88-3.40), 3.01 (1.52-5.97), and 4.11 (2.04-8.28) for age ≥65 years, 55-64 years, and ≤54 years, respectively, compared with that in non-CAD controls. In addition, shorter duration of CAD was a significant relating factor for depression in female; OR (95% CI) was 2.42 (1.26-4.67), 2.61 (1.32-5.16), and 3.13 (1.54-6.34) for duration ≥10 years, 5-9 years, and ≤4 years, respectively, compared with that in non-CAD controls. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent screening and psychosocial supports for depression after discharge are required to improve the mental health care of CAD survivors in the community, especially for female diagnosed at a younger age and recently diagnosed.