Relationship between Olfactory Dysfunction and Suicidal Ideation: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

Background We investigated the relationship between olfactory dysfunction and depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in South Korea by using data from the 2010-2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES). Methods Cross-sectional data of 11,972 adults who completed the KNHANES were analyzed. Results The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was 5.0% among the population ≥ 19 years of age. Olfactory dysfunction was significantly associated with age, alcohol consumption, waist circumference, job, education level, and rhinitis. Depressed mood for two or more continuous weeks was reported by 19.2% of participants with olfactory dysfunction and 12.8% of participants without olfactory dysfunction (p = 0.0009). Suicidal ideation was reported by 20.5% of participants with olfactory dysfunction and 14.1% of participants without olfactory dysfunction (p < 0.0001). The participants with olfactory dysfunction were at higher risk for depressed mood than were participants without olfactory dysfunction (odds ratio [OR] 1.505 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.106-2.048]) after adjusting for confounders. The participants with olfactory dysfunction were also at higher risk for suicidal ideation (OR 1.306 [95% CI, 1.027-1.662]). Conclusion In the Korean population, olfactory dysfunction was associated with an increased risk for depressed mood and suicidal ideation. Further epidemiologic and experimental studies are necessary to clarify the impact of olfactory dysfunction on psychological diseases.