Influence of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking on anxiety in sample of 30 836 individuals in Taiwan Biobank

TL;DR

This study shows that tobacco and alcohol use are linked to higher anxiety risk, especially in men, using data from 30,836 people in Taiwan.

Contribution

The study examines combined effects of tobacco and alcohol on anxiety, revealing gender-specific associations.

Findings

Tobacco and alcohol users had higher anxiety risk compared to non-users.

Men showed significantly higher anxiety risk with alcohol or tobacco use.

Women with both tobacco and alcohol use had significantly higher anxiety risk.

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders worldwide, and most previous studies have focused solely on alcohol drinking or tobacco smoking as risk factors for anxiety.

This study investigated the associations of alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking with anxiety.

The data of 30 836 individuals in the Taiwan Biobank were retrieved and analysed in our study. To investigate the associations of tobacco and alcohol use with anxiety, we analysed Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (specifically scores for the first two questions assessing generalised anxiety disorder) results of the included participants and data on their tobacco and alcohol use, and other covariates.

Participants who used only tobacco and those using both tobacco and alcohol were more likely to experience anxiety than were those who did not use tobacco or alcohol. Among men, the use of alcohol and/or tobacco was associated with a significantly higher risk of anxiety. Among women, the use of both alcohol and tobacco was associated with a significantly higher risk of anxiety. Older age was associated with a lower risk of anxiety.

Tobacco and alcohol use significantly influence the risk of anxiety, particularly in men, and older age also influences this risk. The associations of anxiety with tobacco and alcohol use in women may change because of the increasing prevalence of their use among women in Taiwan in recent years.

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