Changes in the Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression in Adult Men Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Secondary Analysis Study Using Data from the 2018 and 2022 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

Purpose: This study examined changes in the prevalence of depression and associated factors among adult men before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the 2018 and 2022 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants were adult men aged 19~64 (2,052 in 2018; 1,563 in 2022). Data were analyzed using the Rao-Scott <i>x</i><sup>2</sup> test and complex sample logistic regression.Results: The prevalence of depression was 4.1%, 1.94 times higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic (<i>p</i>=.004). Depression was more likely among men with low household income (OR=3.41, <i>p</i>=.037), unmarried men (OR=4.58, <i>p</i><.001), and those who were divorced, separated, or bereaved (OR=4.80, <i>p</i>=.002). Higher risk was also associated with drinking more than four times a week (OR=4.64, <i>p</i>=.018), and sleeping fewer than five hours per day (OR=3.11, <i>p</i>=.011).Conclusion: Interventions are needed to address depression in adult men, along with ongoing monitoring of prevalence. Efforts should prioritize low-income, unmarried, and divorced, separated, or bereaved men, with attention to alcohol use and sleep habits.