Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV, V) from 2007-2012

Association Among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Severity, Exacerbation Risk, and Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in the SPIROMICS Cohort

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, progressive lung disease that often manifests with psychiatric symptoms. Despite this, patients with COPD are not routinely screened for anxiety and depression, which substantially contribute to COPD-related morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship among COPD symptom severity, exacerbation risk, and clinically significant anxiety and depression symptoms in ever smokers with COPD.

METHODS

We used baseline data from the Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures In COPD Study (SPIROMICS) cohort to examine ever smokers with COPD across Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) disease severity groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios for clinically significant anxiety and depression for each GOLD group, which was compared to the control group of ever smokers without COPD. Odds ratios were adjusted for subject demographics, medical comorbidities, and substance use covariates, and comparisons were completed using 2-tailed tests.

RESULTS

Of the 2664 subjects studied, 784 (29.4%) had clinically significant anxiety, and 497 (18.7%) had clinically significant depression. In the multivariable analysis, high pulmonary symptom groups, groups B and D, had increased adjusted odds of clinically significant anxiety (group B: adjusted odds ratios [AOR] 1.28, P = 0.03; group D: AOR 1.95, P < 0.0001) and depression (group B: AOR 2.09, P < 0.0001; group D: AOR 3.04, P < 0.0001). GOLD group D, the group with high pulmonary symptoms and high COPD exacerbation risk, had the greatest risk of both anxiety and depression among the GOLD groups.

CONCLUSIONS

High COPD symptom severity, even in the absence of elevated COPD exacerbation risk, is associated with clinically significant anxiety and depression. Our separate analyses of anxiety and depression symptoms in a large, multisite, national cohort are unique within the literature and have important treatment implications for COPD patients. Our findings also highlight the utility of screening patients with high COPD symptom severity for anxiety and depression.

Risk factors for suicide one year after discharge from hospitalization for physical illness in Denmark

While suicide risk following psychiatric hospitalization has been studied extensively, risk following hospitalization for physical illness is less well understood. We used random forests to examine risk factors for suicide in the year following physical illness hospitalization in Denmark. In this case-cohort study, suicide cases were all individuals who died by suicide within one year of a hospitalization for a physical illness (n = 4563) and the comparison subcohort was a 5% random sample of individuals living in Denmark on January 1, 1995 who had a hospitalization for a physical illness between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2015 (n = 177,664). We used random forests to examine identify the most important predictors of suicide stratified by sex. For women, the top 10 most important variables for random forest prediction were all related to psychiatric diagnoses. For men, many physical health conditions also appeared important to suicide prediction. Among the top 10 variables in the variable importance plot for men were influenza, injuries to the head, nervous system surgeries, and cerebrovascular diseases. Suicide prediction after a physical illness hospitalization requires comprehensive consideration of different and multiple factors for each sex.

The interplay of hypoxic and mental stress: Implications for anxiety and depressive disorders

Adequate oxygen supply is essential for the human brain to meet its high energy demands. Therefore, elaborate molecular and systemic mechanism are in place to enable adaptation to low oxygen availability. Anxiety and depressive disorders are characterized by alterations in brain oxygen metabolism and of its components, such as mitochondria or hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-pathways. Conversely, sensitivity and tolerance to hypoxia may depend on parameters of mental stress and the severity of anxiety and depressive disorders. Here we discuss relevant mechanisms of adaptations to hypoxia, as well as their involvement in mental stress and the etiopathogenesis of anxiety and depressive disorders. We suggest that mechanisms of adaptations to hypoxia (including metabolic responses, inflammation, and the activation of chemosensitive brain regions) modulate and are modulated by stress-related pathways and associated psychiatric diseases. While severe chronic hypoxia or dysfunctional hypoxia adaptations can contribute to the pathogenesis of anxiety and depressive disorders, harnessing controlled responses to hypoxia to increase cellular and psychological resilience emerges as a novel treatment strategy for these diseases.

Frequency and Associated Factors of Suicidal Ideation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

We aimed to examine the prevalence of suicidal ideation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the association between demographic and clinical variables and the occurrence of suicidal thoughts. This was a cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded, and questionnaires were used to assess depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), comorbidities (Charlson Index), cognitive performance (Mini Mental State Examination), and quality of life (EuroQoL-5 dimensions and CAT). Specific questions about suicide-related behavior were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the significant factors associated with previous suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. The analysis included 1190 subjects. The prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were 12.1% and 2.5%, respectively. Severely depressed patients had the highest prevalence of suicide-related behavior. The adjusted logistic model identified factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation: sex (odds ratio (OR) for women vs. men = 2.722 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.771-4.183)), depression score (OR = 1.163 (95% IC = 1.127-1.200)), and Charlson Index (OR 1.228 (95% IC 1.082-1.394)). Suicidal ideation is common in COPD patients, especially in women. While addressing suicidal ideation and suicide prevention, clinicians should first consider the management of depressive symptomatology and the improvement of coping strategies.

Suicide in obstructive lung, cardiovascular and oncological disease

Healthcare institutions face increasing demands stemming from the burden of noncommunicable diseases. The personal, social, financial and societal impact of these diseases are well-documented. However, the mental health concerns and trajectories of patients afflicted by chronic medical diseases have been under-recognized and are under-resourced. Despite that chronic diseases are associated with substantially increased risk of suicide, the medical world has largely failed to properly address suicide in the medically ill. Considering their high prevalence and mortality rate, this review article will highlight the mental health burden and suicide risk in obstructive lung, cardiovascular (including stroke) and oncological disease, in light of relevant data and conceptual models of suicide. Finally, general evidence-based suicide intervention strategies and potential selective adaptation of these strategies to the chronic medically ill patient populations and medical settings will be reviewed.

Sex-based changes in rat brain serotonin and behavior in a model of altitude-related vulnerability to treatment-resistant depression

RATIONALE

Rates of depression and suicide increase with altitude. In our animal model, rats housed at moderate altitude vs. at sea level exhibit increased depressive symptoms in the forced swim test (FST) and lack of response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Depression and SSRI resistance are linked to disrupted serotonergic function, and hypobaric hypoxia may reduce the oxygen-dependent synthesis of serotonin. We therefore tested brain serotonin in rats housed at altitude.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were housed at altitude (4,500 ft, 10,000 ft) vs. sea level for 7-36 days. Brain serotonin was measured by ELISA, or behavior evaluated in the FST, sucrose preference (SPT), or open-field tests (OFT).

RESULTS

After 2 weeks at 4,500 ft or 10,000ft vs. sea level, serotonin levels decreased significantly at altitude in the female prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and brainstem, but increased with altitude in the male hippocampus and brainstem. Female brain serotonin decreased from 7 to 36 days at 4,500 ft, but males did not vary. At 2 weeks and 24 days, females at altitude exhibit lower brain serotonin and increased depressive symptoms in the FST and SPT, with motor behavior unaltered. In males, serotonin, passive coping in the FST and OFT immobility increased with altitude at 2 weeks, but not at 24 days. Male SPT behavior did not change with altitude.

CONCLUSIONS

Females may be more vulnerable to depressive symptoms at altitude, while males may be resilient. Chronic hypoxic stress at altitudes as low as 4,500 ft may cause a brain serotonin imbalance to worsen vulnerability to depression and SSRI resistance, and potentially worsen suicide risk.

Sex-Based Impact of Creatine Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms, Brain Serotonin and SSRI Efficacy in an Animal Model of Treatment-Resistant Depression

Background: Rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) increase with living at altitude. In our model, rats housed at moderate altitude (in hypobaric hypoxia) exhibit increased depression-like behavior, altered brain serotonin and a lack of antidepressant response to most selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A forebrain deficit in the bioenergetic marker creatine is noted in people living at altitude or with MDD. Methods: Rats housed at 4500 ft were given dietary creatine monohydrate (CRMH, 4% w/w, 5 weeks) vs. un-supplemented diet, and impact on depression-like behavior, brain bioenergetics, serotonin and SSRI efficacy assessed. Results: CRMH significantly improved brain creatine in a sex-based manner. At altitude, CRMH increased serotonin levels in the female prefrontal cortex and striatum but reduced male striatal and hippocampal serotonin. Dietary CRMH was antidepressant in the forced swim test and anti-anhedonic in the sucrose preference test in only females at altitude, with motor behavior unchanged. CRMH improved fluoxetine efficacy (20 mg/kg) in only males at altitude: CRMH + SSRI significantly improved male striatal creatine and serotonin vs. CRMH alone. Conclusions: Dietary CRMH exhibits sex-based efficacy in resolving altitude-related deficits in brain biomarkers, depression-like behavior and SSRI efficacy, and may be effective clinically for SSRI-resistant depression at altitude. This is the first study to link CRMH treatment to improving brain serotonin.

Solitary drinking and the risk of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in college students: Findings from a nationwide survey in Korea

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that solitary drinking is becoming more common in Korea, few studies have investigated the association between drinking alone and mental health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between solitary drinking, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in Korean college students.

METHOD

Primary data on a nationally representative sample of college students were used. Data were collected by Yonsei University and the Korean Center for Disease Control in 2017 to investigate alcohol-related behaviors and health consequences in students. The association between solitary drinking, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation were measured using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 3,935 students were analyzed, in which 11.5% had depressive symptoms and 2.8% suicidal ideation. Compared to non-solitary drinkers, solitary drinkers were more likely to have depressive symptoms [Odds Ratio (OR) 2.28, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.72-3.02] and suicidal ideation (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.32-3.81). Moreover, larger differences were found in individuals with higher alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) scores and with more frequent underage drinking experience.

LIMITATIONS

As this study was cross-sectional in design, causal inferences cannot be made on the association between solitary drinking, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSION

Solitary drinking is associated with higher likelihoods of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in college students. The results suggest the importance of monitoring solitary drinkers as they may be more vulnerable to the negative mental health effects of alcohol.

The Association Between Child Abuse and Attempted Suicide

Abstract.Background: Child abuse and suicide among the young population is a serious and prevalent problem. Many studies have demonstrated that people with adverse childhood experiences, such as child abuse, are likely to develop suicidal behavior. This study evaluates the connection between child abuse and suicidal behavior in the Hong Kong community where incidents of child abuse have been on the rise over the past decade. Aims: To determine the association between child abuse and attempted suicide in the child population of Hong Kong using hospital electronic medical records system. Method: From January 1, 1995 to July 31, 2016, patients with admission age < 18 years with the diagnosis of child abuse or influenza infection (comparison group) were included in this study (n = 54,256). In secondary data analysis, an association was found between children who had experienced child abuse and the outcome measure of hospital admission for attempted suicide compared with influenza infection. Results: The adjusted hazard ratio of attempting suicide in children who experienced sexual abuse and physical abuse compared with the influenza-infected group was 6.48 (95% CI [4.56, 9.19]) and 4.83 (95% CI [3.67, 6.34]). The age at onset of adverse incidents was negatively associated with the attempted suicide timing. Female patients had a 1.64 higher risk of repeating attempted suicide. In addition, nearly 5% of children who had experienced child abuse attempted suicide in the 10 years after their admission, and more than 36% of patients had a record of repeated suicide attempt in the 20 years after the initial admission. Limitations: The accuracy of the diagnosis, selection bias, insufficiency of study period, Berkson's bias, incomplete socioeconomic status, as well as the absence of psychiatric diagnosis are the limitations. Conclusion: Our results indicate that there is a significant association between child abuse and suicide attempts in Hong Kong. If confirmed, the study (a) demonstrates that hospital admission records are a critical source for identifying children with a high risk for suicidal behavior; (b) may inform policy makers that additional and long-term intervention programs should be provided to children so as to reduce subsequent suicide attempts.

Impact of Age at Childbirth on Maternal Mental Health among Premenopausal Women: The 2010-2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

OBJECTIVE

No reports have investigated the influence of age at first or last childbirth on maternal mental health. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between age at first or last childbirth and the mental health of premenopausal women.

METHODS

The data used in this study were collected from the 2010 to 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. A total of 3,370 premenopausal women were considered. The association between childbirth age and maternal mental health factors, including stress, depressed mood, and suicidal ideations were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for confounding factors.

RESULTS

After adjusting confounding factors, younger maternal age at first childbirth was found to be associated with an increase in the prevalence of maternal depressed mood and suicidal ideations. Also, older maternal age at last childbirth was related to an increase in maternal stress, depressed mood and suicidal ideations.

CONCLUSION

Both younger first childbirth and older last childbirth maternal age may be risk factors for poor outcomes of premenopausal women's mental health. These data support the need for comprehensive mental health assessment for premenopausal women who either gave birth at an age too young or too old.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a risk factor for suicide: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly present several limitations in their daily activities, high depression rates, and low quality of life, which makes this population a risk group for suicide. This study aims to systematically assess the literature on the association between CPOD and the likelihood of suicide.

METHODS

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018096618). The Latin-American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, LIVIVO, Web of Science, and PsychNET databases were used as primary study sources. OpenThesis and OpenGrey were used to partially capture the "grey literature". A manual search was also performed through a systematized analysis of the references of eligible articles. The risk of bias among the studies included was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools for Systematic Reviews. A random effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the variation in odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

The search provided 4762 results, from which only seven met the eligibility criteria and were ultimately included in the qualitative assessment of the review. The studies were published from 2002 to 2015. All studies presented low risk of bias. The total sample included 1390 suicide cases of COPD patients. The meta-analysis, which was based on five eligible case control studies, found that people with history of COPD are more likely to commit suicide (OR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.27-2.48; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

COPD patients are 1.9 times more likely to commit suicide than people without COPD.

Suicidal Ideation, Attempt, and Associated Factors among Patients with Tuberculosis in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Suicidal behaviors among people with tuberculosis are one of the commonest psychiatric emergencies that need a major public health concern. People with tuberculosis show suicidal ideation and attempt, which are problems to end life. In Ethiopia large numbers of people are affected by tuberculosis. Therefore, assessing suicide among patients with tuberculosis is important in implementing further interventions.

Methods

An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among systematic random samples of 415 and face-to-face interview was used. Suicidal ideation and attempt were assessed by using suicidality module World Health Organization (WHO) composite International diagnostic interview (CIDI). Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic analyses were done to identify associated factors to both suicidal ideation and attempt. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant and strength of the association was presented by adjusted odds ratio with 95% C.I.

Results

The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt among tuberculosis patients was 17.3% (95%CI, 13.7-20.6) and 7.5 %( 95%CI, 4.8-10.4), respectively. Being female (AOR=2.7, 95% CI 1.39, 5.23), no formal education (AOR=3.35, 95%CI 1.26, 9.91), extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (AOR=2.35, 95%CI 1.1, 4.98), depression (AOR=4.9, 95%CI, 2.56, 9.4), and perceived TB stigma (AOR=3.24, 95%CI, 1.64, 6.45) were statistically associated with suicidal ideation. Factors like being female (AOR=4.57, 95%CI, 1.7, 12.27), MDR-TB (AOR=3.06, 95%CI, 1.23, 7.57), comorbid HIV illness (AOR=6.67, 95%CI, 2.24, 19.94), and depression (AOR=4.75, 95%CI, 1.89, 11.91) were associated with suicidal attempt.

Conclusion

Developing guidelines and training of health workers in TB clinics is important to screen and treat suicide among patients with tuberculosis.

Hypoxia-related risk factors for death by suicide in a national clinical sample

The relationship between three markers of chronic hypoxia (altitude, smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) and suicide risk has not been well-studied. We conducted a population-based cohort study evaluating the association between chronic hypoxia and suicide risk. Patients entered the cohort in their first year with a documented healthcare encounter and remained in the cohort until their death or the end of the study period. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) methodology was used to assess the association between suicide and three risk markers of chronic hypoxia. Findings were summarized using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among the 9,620,944 patients in the cohort, there were 22,403 suicide deaths. There was a statistically significant progression of suicide risk as altitude rose in increments of 1000 m (OR: 1.22). There was a strong association between the number of hypoxic conditions and the odds of suicide. Patients with three markers of chronic hypoxia was nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than patients with no markers (OR: 3.96). Chronic hypoxia is a risk factor for suicide and having multiple indicators of hypoxia confers a greater risk for suicide, indicating a dose-response relationship.

Is suicidal ideation associated with allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis?

Objective:

To investigate whether there is an association between suicidal ideation (SI) and allergic diseases in adults.

Methods:

This was a comparative cross-sectional study involving individuals ranging from 20 to 50 years of age recruited from a university hospital in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico. We included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of allergic asthma, those with a confirmed diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, and healthy controls. All subjects completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), which includes an item that evaluates the presence of suicidal thoughts or desires within the last two weeks, in order to identify SI.

Results:

The sample comprised 115 patients with allergic asthma, 111 patients with allergic rhinitis, and 96 healthy controls. The number of individuals identified with SI in the three groups were, respectively, 17 (14.8%), 13 (11.7%), and 8 (8.3%). Regarding the presence of SI, no statistically significant association was found in the allergic asthma group (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 0.78-4.64; p = 0.154) or in the allergic rhinitis group (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 0.58-3.68; p = 0.424) when they were compared with the control group. However, the presence of depression was associated with SI in the three groups: allergic asthma (OR = 12.36; 95% CI: 2.67-57.15; p = 0.001); allergic rhinitis (OR = 6.20; 95% CI: 1.66-23.14; p = 0.006); and control (OR = 21.0; 95% CI: 3.75-117.36; p < 0,001).

Conclusions:

In comparison with the control group, no association was found between SI and the groups with allergic diseases. In contrast, there was association between SI and depression in the three groups.

Predictors of Suicidal Ideation Among IBD Outpatients

BACKGROUND

Suicidal ideation (SI) is understudied in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We aim to determine SI rates among IBD outpatients and to evaluate predictors of SI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective observational study of consecutive adult IBD outpatients over 18 months. Patients were screened for depression and SI using patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). Demographic data were obtained from electronic medical record. Regression modeling was used for predictor analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 71 of consecutive 1352 IBD outpatients had SI. Significant correlations between SI and depression severity, tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), IBD-related quality of life, and low vitamin D levels were seen. Univariate regression showed that depression severity, TCA use, and quality of life predicted SI. Multivariate regression showed depression severity (β=0.46; P=0.002) and TCA use (β=0.31; P=0.012) made unique contributions.

CONCLUSIONS

SI is associated with depressive severity and less directly with IBD activity. Low-dose TCA, often used for chronic abdominal pain, is also a risk factor. Identifying the subset of IBD patients most vulnerable to SI can facilitate proper referrals to behavioral services and prevent progression to completed suicides.

Hypobaric hypoxia exposure in rats differentially alters antidepressant efficacy of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors fluoxetine, paroxetine, escitalopram and sertraline

Treatment-resistant depression, a chronic condition that affects 30% of depressed patients on antidepressants, is highly linked to suicidal behavior. Chronic hypoxia exposure via living at altitude (hypobaric hypoxia) or with chronic hypoxic diseases is demographically linked to increased risk for depression and suicide. We previously demonstrated that housing rats at altitude for a week incrementally increases depression-like behavior in the forced swim test (FST) in females, but not males. In animal models, high altitude exposure reduces brain serotonin, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can lose efficacy when brain serotonin levels are low. To address whether residence at moderate altitude is detrimental to SSRI function, we examined SSRI efficacy in the FST after a week of housing rats at altitudes of 4500 ft. or 10,000 ft. as compared to at sea level. In females, the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine (positive control) functioned well in all groups, increasing latency to immobility and decreasing immobility, by increasing climbing. However, the SSRIs fluoxetine, paroxetine and escitalopram were ineffective in females in all groups: only paroxetine improved swimming in the FST as expected of a SSRI, while all three unexpectedly reduced climbing. Fluoxetine was also ineffective in male rats. Sertraline was the only SSRI with antidepressant efficacy at altitude in both females and males, increasing swimming, climbing and latency to immobility, and reducing immobility. Hypobaric hypoxia thus appears to be detrimental to efficacy of the SSRIs fluoxetine, paroxetine and escitalopram, but not of sertraline. Unlike the other SSRIs, sertraline can improve both serotonergic and dopaminergic transmission, and may be less impacted by a hypoxia-induced serotonin deficit. A targeted approach may thus be necessary for successful antidepressant treatment in patients with depression who live at altitude or with chronic hypoxic diseases, and that sertraline may be the SSRI of choice for prescription for this population.

The relationship between pulmonary function and suicidal ideation in Korean adults: a nationwide survey

Controversy surrounds the association between lung function and mental health in the general population, and previous reported results were confounded by the effect of other chronic illnesses. This study aimed to investigate whether reduced lung function was related to mental health issues, taking into consideration the relevant potential confounders. We used data from the 2008-2013 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine the relationship between lung function and three mental issues (recognized stress, depressive mood, and suicidal ideation) among 22,068 Korean adults. A multiple logistic regression with adjustment for potential covariates including chronic illnesses revealed that a .5-L decrement of forced vital capacity increased the risk for suicidal ideation in both genders, but there was no significant association with recognized stress or depressive mood. We found an inverse relationship between lung function and suicidal ideation in the Korean general population.

Prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation increases proportionally with renal function decline, beginning from early stages of chronic kidney disease

Depression and suicidal ideation are prevalent mental health problems in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD. However, the association between mental health problems and kidney disease has been investigated in severe cases only. Thus, this study evaluated the relationship between mental health problems and renal function in a community-based prospective cohort study comprising patients with mild to moderate kidney disease. A total of 44,938 participants who were participated in Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV, V, and VI from 2007 to 2014 were enrolled. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation. The study outcome was the prevalence of depression and suicidal ideations assessed by self-reporting surveys. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between renal function and outcomes. The mean age of the study subjects was 49.2 ± 16.6 years, and the mean eGFR was 94.0 mL/min/1.73 m. The prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation increased with decreasing eGFR. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of depression increased in subjects with eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m [odds ratio (OR) 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.98]. The risk of suicidal ideation gradually increased in groups with eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.20), even after adjustments for confounding variables. In conclusion, depression and suicidal ideation are related closely with renal dysfunction. The risk of having depression and suicidal ideation increased even in patient with mild renal dysfunction. Therefore, evaluation and management strategies regarding mental health problems should be taken into account throughout all stages of CKD.

Relationship between the number of family members and stress by gender: Cross-sectional analysis of the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background

Due to gendered inequalities in the division of domestic work, women with paid employment and family caregiving responsibilities can feel extremely tired with general distress and depression. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between the number of family members and stress level by gender among Korean adults using a nationally representative dataset.

Methods

We used a sample of 6,293 subjects aged 19 or older (3,629 female and 2,264 male) from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A multivariable logistic regression analysis with sociodemographic and health-related characteristics was conducted. Because there were gender differences, a stratified analysis was performed for each gender.

Results

Age, number of family members, education level, occupational status, depression, self-rated health status, and chronic diseases were found to have a significant association with stress level in the study subjects (p<0.05). The probability of perceiving stress increased among females from family with two members (OR 1.521), three family members (OR 1.893), or four or more family members without spouse (OR 2.035) compared to those who live alone.

Conclusion

We found that unmarried women are more likely to be stressed as the number of family members increases. Gender expectations giving women the main responsibility for domestic and care work may become a source of stress. Reconciliation of family and work remains women’s responsibility in Korea. As family problems are recently becoming a big issue, our study shows the importance of considering gender difference in studies on stress according to family roles and functions.

Animal models to improve our understanding and treatment of suicidal behavior

Worldwide, suicide is a leading cause of death. Although a sizable proportion of deaths by suicide may be preventable, it is well documented that despite major governmental and international investments in research, education and clinical practice suicide rates have not diminished and are even increasing among several at-risk populations. Although nonhuman animals do not engage in suicidal behavior amenable to translational studies, we argue that animal model systems are necessary to investigate candidate endophenotypes of suicidal behavior and the neurobiology underlying these endophenotypes. Animal models are similarly a critical resource to help delineate treatment targets and pharmacological means to improve our ability to manage the risk of suicide. In particular, certain pathophysiological pathways to suicidal behavior, including stress and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction, neurotransmitter system abnormalities, endocrine and neuroimmune changes, aggression, impulsivity and decision-making deficits, as well as the role of critical interactions between genetic and epigenetic factors, development and environmental risk factors can be modeled in laboratory animals. We broadly describe human biological findings, as well as protective effects of medications such as lithium, clozapine, and ketamine associated with modifying risk of engaging in suicidal behavior that are readily translatable to animal models. Endophenotypes of suicidal behavior, studied in animal models, are further useful for moving observed associations with harmful environmental factors (for example, childhood adversity, mechanical trauma aeroallergens, pathogens, inflammation triggers) from association to causation, and developing preventative strategies. Further study in animals will contribute to a more informed, comprehensive, accelerated and ultimately impactful suicide research portfolio.

Prevalence of symptomatic hip, knee, and spine osteoarthritis nationwide health survey analysis of an elderly Korean population

Osteoarthritis is prominent among the elderly, with symptoms originating from multiple parts of the body. A cross-sectional study of a nationwide survey was performed to describe the prevalence of and identify factors related to symptomatic hip, knee, and spine osteoarthritis.This cross-sectional study collected data from the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-5; 2010-2012). After excluding ineligible subjects, there were 8976 subjects in this study (3830 males and 5146 females). All subjects reported symptoms and disabilities related to osteoarthritis. Plain radiographs of the spine, hip, and knee were taken in all subjects.Overall, 9.3% of male participants and 28.5% of female participants were diagnosed with symptomatic osteoarthritis according to survey criteria. Women showed a significantly higher prevalence in all age groups (P < 0.05). Multiple-joint osteoarthritis was diagnosed in 10.8% of male patients and 22.8% of female patients with osteoarthritis. Several demographic and lifestyle variables were related to osteoarthritis morbidity. Anthropometric and laboratory measurements were also related to osteoarthritis morbidity. In addition, mental distress and quality of life were significantly compromised in osteoarthritis. There were more significant relationships for these factors among women with a higher prevalence of multijoint osteoarthritis.A significant proportion of the elderly with single- or multiple-joint osteoarthritis had a variety of pain origins that were closely related. Osteoarthritis was also significantly related to several factors, including mental distress and quality of life.

Quality of Life Analysis and Smoking Correlation in Symptomatic Spine Osteoarthritis: A Nationwide Health Survey Analysis of an Elderly Population with EQ-5D

Objectives

To analyze quality of life in people with symptomatic spine osteoarthritis (OA) using the results of a cross-sectional, nationwide survey.

Materials and Methods

This study used data from the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-5; 2010–2012). After excluding ineligible subjects, the total number of subjects in the study was 8,963, including 4,091 males and 4,872 females. All participants reported disabilities related to spine OA. Plain radiographs of the spine were taken for all participants.

Results

Age, sex, smoking, drinking, education, and income level were significantly related to spine OA morbidity (P<0.05). OA morbidity was significantly higher in female ex-smokers (OR; 2.94, P<0.05). Quality of life (EQ-5D: L1~5) was significantly compromised in the group with spine OA compared to the group without spine OA (P<0.05). Overall, LQ 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 domain scores were significantly higher in the group with spine OA (P<0.05). In the group with spine OA, quality of life was reduced on more than three questions for 34.3% of the group (EQ-5D: grade≥2); on two questions, for 18.5% of the group; and on one question, for 11.1% of the group. Mental stress, melancholy, and suicidal thinking were also more common in the group with spine OA (P<0.05). The group with radiographic spine OA but without symptoms did not have compromised EQ-5D scores, whereas the group with radiographic OA and symptoms showed a significantly reduced quality of life.

Conclusions

Quality of life was significantly reduced in the group with symptomatic spine OA in a large cross-sectional analysis. Physicians should consider quality of life in the treatment of patients with spine OA

Tobacco use and suicide attempt: longitudinal analysis with retrospective reports

Background

Suicide has been associated with smoking/tobacco use but its association of and change in smoking/tobacco use status with suicide attempt (SA) is not well established.

Methods

We investigated whether persistent, former tobacco use, initiation, quitting tobacco use, relapse to tobacco use, and DSM-IV nicotine dependence predict independently SA using Wave 1 and 2 data of the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Data from 34,653 US adults interviewed at Wave 1 (2001-02) and Wave 2 (2004-05) were analyzed. The main outcome measure was SA between Wave 1 and Wave 2 as reported at Wave 2.

Results

Among the 1,673 respondents reporting lifetime SA at Wave 2, 328 individuals reported SA between Wave 1 and Wave 2. Current and former tobacco use at Wave 1 predicted Wave 2 SA independently of socio-demographic characteristics, psychiatric history, and prior SA (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.49; 95% CI: 1.13-1.95, AOR: 1.31; 95% CI:1.01-1.69, respectively versus never tobacco users). The strongest association with SA was observed among former tobacco users who relapsed after Wave 1 (AOR: 4.66; 95% CI: 3.49-6.24) and among tobacco use initiators after Wave 1 (AOR: 3.16; 95% CI: 2.23-4.49). Persistent tobacco use (current tobacco use at both Wave 1 and Wave 2) also had an increased risk of SA (AOR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.47-2.42). However, former tobacco users in both Waves 1 and 2 did not show a significantly elevated risk for SA in Wave 2 (AOR:1.09, 95% CI: 0.78-1.52) suggesting that the risk resided mainly in Wave 1 former tobacco users who relapsed to tobacco use by Wave 2. DSM-IV nicotine dependence did not predict SA at Wave 2.

Conclusion

In a representative sample of US adults, relapse, tobacco use initiation, and persistent tobacco use, which are amenable to intervention, were associated with risk of SA.