Depression, smoking, and lung cancer vulnerability: Bridging mental-physical comorbidity through population-based evidence.

INTRODUCTION

The complex relationship between smoking, depression, and lung cancer remains inadequately understood, particularly regarding smoking's association with depression risk among lung cancer patients. This study examines these interactions in a nationally representative sample.

METHODS

This secondary dataset analysis used cross-sectional data from 1539 US adults aged ≥20 years from the pooled 2005-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We employed survey-weighted logistic regression analyses to assess associations, adjusting for sociodemographic factors and clinical comorbidities.

RESULTS

Weighted prevalence estimates were 3.14% (95% CI: 2.78-3.55) for lung cancer, 29.4% for current smoking (95% CI: 28.0-30.9), and 11.18% (95% CI: 10.12-12.34) for clinically significant depression (PHQ-9 ≥10) Females had significantly higher depression prevalence than males (AOR=2.18; 95% CI: 1.63-2.91; p<0.01). Current smokers demonstrated 3.12-fold higher odds of depression compared to non-smokers (AOR=3.12, 95% CI: 2.18-4.47; p<0.001). Recent quitters (<1 year) also showed elevated depression risk (AOR=2.89; 95% CI 1.15-7.25; p=0.024). Among participants with lung cancer, current smokers had a significantly higher prevalence of depression compared to non-smokers (16.82% vs 4.12%; p=0.0008).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking was strongly associated with depression in lung cancer patients, with recent cessation representing a high-risk period. Integrated smoking cessation and mental health interventions are needed, particularly for young females.