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Objectives : This study tried to examine whether there is any difference between the middle-aged men and women in terms of the effect of health-related and oral health-related characteristics on their depressive symptoms (PHQ-9). Methods : We used the 2nd year data of the 6th session of the National Health and Nutrition Survey of 2,008 adults(aged40～64 years) for fulfilling the research objectives. Results : The analysis showed that among middle-aged male and female respondents, household income, subjective health conditions, and stress perception among health-related characteristics had common elements affecting their depressive symptoms. The self-reported oral health conditions affected depressive symptoms for male respondents. On the other hand, chewing problems and contraction of periodontal disease affected depressive symptoms of female respondents. Conclusions : Thus, it is necessary to consider the effect of sex in the relationship between health-related and oral health-related characteristics, and to make efforts to develop differential programs to manage and prevent depressive symptoms among men and women.