Arthritis status changes and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Koreans: Analysis of data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging survey

Arthritis can negatively affect physical and mental health, especially among middle-aged and older people. This study investigated the longitudinal association between changes in arthritis status and depressive symptoms among Korean adults aged ≥45 years. We analyzed data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging 2008–2018, using a generalized estimating equation model to investigate associations between arthritis status change and depressive symptoms, which were assessed using five categories according to measurements based on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Both men and women whose arthritis status changed to “worse” or remained “same” scored higher for depressive symptoms than those who reported “no symptoms of arthritis” (men, worse = β: 1.07, P ≤ .001, same = β: 0.25 P = .031; women, worse = β: 0.99, P ≤ .001, same = β: 0.13, P = .049). Conversely, men with a “better” arthritis status (β: -0.71, P ≤ .001) and women with a “recovered” arthritis status (β: -0.56, P = .031) scored lower for depressive symptoms than those who reported “no symptoms of arthritis.” Arthritis status changes are associated with depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older Koreans. Therefore, mental health evaluation and management interventions are recommended for patients with arthritis and changes in disease status. •Arthritis and depression have been linked with patients in some countries.•The ongoing Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging provides several years of data.•KLoSA 2008–2018 data confirm arthritis status' link to depression in Korean adults.•For middle-aged and older adults, worsening arthritis often increases depression.•Arthritis status and mental health should be measured for patients 45 and older.