Mental health risks associated with a family history of chronic diseases: A nationwide population-based cross-sectional study

Objective: While family history of chronic disease is a known physical health risk, its link to mental health (depression, suicidal ideation) is understudied in East Asia. This study investigated associations between family histories of common chronic diseases and these mental health outcomes in Korean adults. Methods: We analyzed data from 18,468 Korean adults (≥19 years) from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2022). Self-reported family histories (parents, siblings) of stroke, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and ischemic heart disease were examined. Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in the past year were assessed using standard KNHANES items. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for confounders including age, sex, socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities, estimated odds ratios (ORs). Sex and risk-factor-stratified analyses were performed. Results: A family history of stroke significantly increased odds of depressive symptoms (adjusted OR 1.28) and suicidal ideation (aOR 1.23). Associations were strongest in women aged ≥40 years (depression aOR 1.38; suicidal ideation aOR 1.34) and women with diabetes (depression aOR 1.73). Among men, stroke family history combined with prehypertension increased suicidal ideation risk (aOR 2.08). Family histories of hyperlipidemia (aOR 1.23) and ischemic heart disease (aOR 1.22) were linked to depressive symptoms only. No significant associations emerged for hypertension or diabetes. Conclusion: Familial stroke history identifies Korean adults, particularly midlife women and those with diabetes, at higher risk for depression and suicidal thoughts. These results underscore the need for healthcare providers to consider the mental health implications for family members when treating patients with chronic cardiovascular conditions.