Association Between Smoking and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Korean Adults:Analysis Based on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Author: Hui-jong YU ¹ ; Young-Myo JAE ; Sae-Heon JANG ; Kyoung-Hwan LEE ; Kyoung-Beom KIM
Author Information

1. Department of Psychiatry, Bongseng Memorial Hospital, Busan, Korea
Publication Type:Original Articles
From: Journal of the Korean Society of Biological Therapies in Psychiatry 2024;30(2):29-35
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: Objectives:This study was designed to investigate whether there was a relationship between smoking and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in a Korean adult group.
Methods:This study was based on the data from eighth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The subjects were 5,273 adults aged 19 years or older. Smoking group was classified into non-smoker, exsmoker, and current smoker. GAD was defined as above 10 points of GAD-7. The correlation between smoking and GAD was examined using complex sample design after adjusting confounders.
Results:For male, smoking did not have a significant effect on GAD, but for female, current smokers were significantly more likely to have GAD than non-smokers (odds ratio=2.33, p=0.012).
Conclusions:The association between smoking and GAD was found only in female. The result means that a differentiated approach is needed for female and male in the management of smokers and patients with GAD.