The prevalence and correlates of depression in Korean adults with rheumatoid arthritis: Results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of depression in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: We analyzed the data of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The sociodemographic, clinical, and psychiatric variables were compared between the RA group (n = 277) and the gender- and age-matched non-RA group (n = 1068). Participants in the RA group who had a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score of 10 or more were sub-categorized as the depression group (n = 52), and the prevalence of depression with RA was determined. Complex samples logistic regression analysis was performed to clarify the associated factors for depression in patients with RA.

Results: The prevalence of depression in patients with RA was 17.4%. The RA group experienced more pain, restrictions on usual activities, and stress in their daily lives. RA patients with 3 or more comorbid diseases, extreme pain, problems in usual activities, and moderate to severe perceived stress were more likely to develop depression. Female gender and low income were also associated factors to consider.

Conclusion: Depression is significantly prevalent in Korean RA patients. Along with managing pain and daily life functions, interventions to reduce perceived stress are needed for comprehensive RA management.