Depressive symptoms in middle-aged women in peninsular Malaysia.
A household survey was carried out in Peninsular Malaysia to determine the prevalence rate of depressive symptoms in middle-aged women and to explore its associated factors. Women aged 45 to 60 years were assessed on sociodemographic profiles, menopausal status, depressive symptoms, marital dissatisfaction, and coping strategies. A total of 3934 women participated, and the mean age was 51 years. The prevalence rate of depressive symptoms was 54.2%. Of the married women, 38.4% had poor to very severe problems in their marriage. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with marital status (P < .001), ethnicity (P < .001), educational levels (P < .001), occupational status ( P < .001), domicile (P < .001), and menopausal status ( P < .05). Depressive symptoms were correlated with marital dissatisfaction scores. Women who consulted professionals, shared with relatives, kept problems to themselves, or consulted parents/siblings had higher mean scores on depressive symptoms compared with those who did not use these coping strategies.
Zainal
Nor Zuraida
NZ
Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. zuraida@ummc.edu.my
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D008593:Menopause / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors