Korean J Fam Pract.  2023 Jun;13(2):120-125. 10.21215/kjfp.2023.13.2.120.

The Effects of Alcohol Flushing Reaction on Depressive Mood and Suicidal Ideation in Korean Adult Female Drinkers: 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

• Paik S
• Hwang JS
• Oh B
• Park HJ

• KMID: 2543194
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2023.13.2.120

Abstract

Background
As the disease burden of depression has increased, it is important to identify and manage risk factors for depression prevention and care. Among the known risk factors, alcohol flushing is also reported to increase the risk of depression. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the alcohol flushing reaction and depressive mood, as well as suicidal ideation, in female drinkers.
Methods
Data from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to calculate the risk of depressive mood and suicidal ideation based on alcohol flushing reactions among female drinkers aged 20 to 65 through multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusting for other risk factors for depression. Subgroup analysis was also performed based on alcohol consumption status.
Results
The study found that alcohol flushing reactions are associated with an increased risk of depressive mood (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–1.61) and suicidal ideation (aOR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.29–3.49) in female drinkers. In the subgroup analysis, the alcohol flushing reaction in the moderate drinking group was also associated with an increased risk of depressive mood (aOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.06–1.63) and suicidal ideation (aOR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.15–3.82).
Conclusion
These findings suggest that alcohol flushing in female drinkers should be considered a risk stratification factor for depression management and screening.

Keyword

Alcohol Drinking; Flushing; Depression; Suicidal Ideation