Uncovering the association between dysphagia and depression: Insights from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey

Background Dysphagia can increase fear of swallowing, reduce self‐esteem, and hinder social relationships. Such factors can also increase anxiety and degrade the quality of life. This study aimed to elucidate the association between dysphagia and depressive symptoms. Method This study conducted an assessment of 26,810 U.S. adults using the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) database. Multiple regression analysis and five different propensity score matching approaches were used to account for sex, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, household income, number of comorbid chronic diseases, and presence of anxiety disorder. Result Utilizing the 2022 NHIS database, 26,810 American adults were assessed. Of the weighted population demographics, 51.88% reported having dysphagia, with 43.64% being females and an average age of 46.17 (SD 0.22). The study findings revealed that individuals reporting dysphagia had an elevated likelihood of presenting depressive symptoms (OR = 1.875, p