Association Between Perceived Stress and Pronunciation Problems in Korean Adults: A Population-Based Study (KNHANES 2021-2023)

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between perceived stress and pronunciation problems using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2021-2023) among Korean adults. Methods:The data used for analysis were obtained from the 8th (2021) and 9th (2022-2023) Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.Data were analyzed by chi-square and multiple logistic and linear regression analysis was also performed to assess the association between perceived stress and pronunciation problems.Statistical significance level was set at p0.05. Results:In the group (Group 4) with the highest levels of stress and with the most severe pronunciation problems, the odds ratio [OR] in Model 3 (adjusted for demographic and health-related factors) was 3.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.62-5.68).For increase in each level of perceived stress, there was a 1.13 times increase in the discomfort associated with pronunciation problems. Conclusion:The results revealed an association between perceived stress and pronunciation problems in Korean adults.As this study examines cross-sectional associations, the necessity of conducting longitudinal research on stress and pronunciation problems as subsequent research is evident to ascertain the existence of causality.