Exposure to is associated with a 22% increased risk of depression (=1.22).
The analysis included 12 articles with data from 61,217 participants.
Subgroup analysis indicated that indoor air pollution from solid fuel use is linked to a higher risk of depression (RR=1.20) compared to secondhand smoke exposure (RR=1.11).
Using solid fuel for cooking is associated with a 23% increased risk of depression (RR=1.23).
Using solid fuel for heating is associated with a 15% increased risk of depression (RR=1.15).
Significant heterogeneity was observed in the results, with the overall analysis showing an I value of 75%.
Simplified
OBJECTIVES: Incomplete combustion of solid fuel and exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) are the primary causes of (IAP), potentially leading to detrimental effects on individual mental health. However, current evidence regarding the association between IAP and depression remains inconclusive. This study aims to systematically investigate the evidence regarding the association between IAP and the risk of depression.
DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.
DATA SOURCES: Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and EMBASE for available studies published up to 13 January 2024.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included all cohort studies published in English that aimed to explore the relationship between IAP from solid fuel use and SHS exposure and the risk of depression.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. The association between IAP and depression was calculated using pooled (RR) with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Ivalue, and the effect estimates were pooled using fixed-effects or random-effects models depending on the results of homogeneity analysis. 2
RESULTS: We included 12 articles with data from 61 217 participants. The overall findings demonstrated a significant association between IAP exposure and depression (RR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.31), although with substantial heterogeneity (I=75%). Subgroup analyses based on pollutant type revealed that IAP from solid fuel use was associated with a higher risk of depression (RR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.26; I=62%; 5 studies, 36 768 participants) than that from SHS exposure (RR1.11, 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.41; I=80%; 7 studies, 24 449 participants). In terms of fuel use, the use of solid fuel for cooking (RR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.31; I=58%; 4 studies, 34 044 participants) and heating (RR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.27; I=65%; 3 studies, 24 874 participants) was associated with increased depression risk. 2 2 2 2 2 =
CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies indicated an association between exposure to IAP and depression.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022383285.
Key numbers
1.22
Increase in Depression Risk
based on 61,217 participants across 12 studies.
1.20
Solid Fuel vs. SHS Exposure
for solid fuel exposure from 5 studies with 36,768 participants.
1.11
SHS Exposure Risk
based on 7 studies with 24,449 participants.
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