Association between Dining with Companions and Depression among Korean Adults

Abstract

We investigated whether dining with companions is correlated with the alleviation of depression and differs by sex among Korean adults. We used 4-year data from the 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We surveyed 11,055 participants (4699 men, 6356 women) using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to measure their depression scores. We evaluated participants’ meal companionship status by asking whether they had usually dined with companions for breakfast, lunch, or dinner during the past year. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests and multivariate/multinomial logistic regression. We found depression to be less prevalent among participants who dined with companions at least once a day (adjusted OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.15–0.45, men; adjusted OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34–0.74, women). In the moderate depression subgroup, participants who dined with companions at least once a day showed lower OR (adjusted OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.16–0.50, men; adjusted OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32–0.76, women). Among participants who dined together, men’s severe depression dramatically decreased (adjusted OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01–0.31). Thus, we found an association between dining with companions and the prevalence of depression among Korean adults. Dining with companions compared with dining alone signified a lower depression rate, especially among men. This study can provide an initiative to further analyze psychological and physiological effects of dining together and be applied to practical fields as education and societal campaigns.

Social network investment of men: Cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations with mental health problems

“…Of the activities examined, sharing a meal with friends had the strongest concurrent association with all three mental health symptoms. In line with this, commensality has been found to be negatively associated with depression and suicidal ideation in previous research (Jung et al, 2022; Son et al, 2020). Specifically, in both men and women ( N = 14,125), a study found that those who ate fewer meals together had poorer mental health (Son et al, 2020).…”

“…Specifically, in both men and women (N = 14,125), a study found that those who ate fewer meals together had poorer mental health (Son et al, 2020). Another study found that this association between dining with friends and decreased depression was significantly stronger for men than women (Jung et al, 2022). Eating together with friends may function as a way to facilitate social bonding and improve overall well-being (Julier, 2013).…”

Psychological aspects of rehabilitation nutrition: A position paper by the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition (secondary publication)

“…A nighttime lifestyle is associated with a higher risk of depression than a morning lifestyle 33 . Skipping breakfast and eating alone are risk factors for depression 34,35 . Patients with dysphagia are at higher risk for depression 36 . )…”

“… 33 Skipping breakfast and eating alone are risk factors for depression. 34 , 35 Patients with dysphagia are at higher risk for depression. 36 ) Oral problems such as edentulous and periodontal disease increase the risk of depression.…”