Publication:

Depression and factors impacting quality of life among adults with asthma presence in Nevada

Background Asthma, a chronic, non-communicable disease has been shown to negatively affect mental health and quality of life among adults. Annually approximately 8% of adult Nevadans report current asthma symptoms and 12.6% report having a lifetime diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between asthma and depression and explore quality of life factors affecting adult Nevadans with asthma.

Methods Using behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS) data, this study evaluated the association between self-reported asthma and depression in Nevada using weighted multiple logistic regression. BRFSS asthma call-back survey (ACBS) data were used to determine the frequency and extent of quality of life factors affecting a sub-sample of respondents with asthma.

Results After adjustment, adult Nevadans with current asthma were 3.22 times as likely (95% CI: 2.26-4.58) to be depressed compared to those without asthma. Adult Nevadans with lifetime asthma were 2.6 times as likely (95% CI: 1.88-3.61) to be depressed compared to those without lifetime asthma. ACBS respondents indicated depression (38%), activity limitations (40%), sleep disturbance (26%), missing work or activities (31%), cost-related challenges (20%), healthcare usage (33%), environmental trigger exposure (96%) and severe asthma as indicated by use of oral corticosteroids (5%). The most significant correlations were found between depression, missing work/activities, activity limitation, emergency room /urgent care visits, oral corticosteroid use and reporting cost as a barrier.

Conclusions Asthma presence is associated with depression and negatively affects quality of life among adult Nevadans. A public health approach including education and outreach is critical to reduce the impact of asthma on mental health and quality of life.