Prevalence and psychosocial correlates of depressive symptoms in urban Chinese women during midlife.
OBJECTIVE
Depression is common in women with much research focusing on hormonal changes and menopausal symptoms but with little exploration of psychosocial problems in midlife. This study investigates the prevalence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms in midlife Chinese women and its association with psychosocial factors.


METHODS
A cross-sectional, community-based household survey of women aged 45 to 64 years of age was conducted in Hong Kong from September 2010 to March 2011. The structured questionnaire included demographic data, educational status, marital status and household income, as well as perceived current stressful events and significant life events in the past 12 months. Information on clinically relevant depressive symptoms was measured by the validated chinese Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).


RESULTS
A total of 402 participants were recruited in the study period. Of the 393 women who completed the questionnaire, the prevalence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score≧10) was 11.0%. In multiple regression analysis, being single/divorced/separated/widowed, having an educational level of primary school level or below, having multiple chronic diseases, loss of hobby or loss of close social support in the past 12 months in midlife were associated with clinically relevant depressive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Correlates of clinically relevant depressive symptoms in midlife Chinese women can be used to identify those at increased risk and potentiate further studies to explore early psychosocial and community interventions.
Division of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, School of Public Health building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.
Carmen K M
CK
Wong
The Hong Kong Primary Care Research Network, F2029A, Special Block, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.
Jun
J
Liang
The Hong Kong Primary Care Research Network, F2029A, Special Block, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.
Man L
ML
Chan
The Hong Kong Primary Care Research Network, F2029A, Special Block, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.
Yin H
YH
Chan
The Hong Kong Primary Care Research Network, F2029A, Special Block, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.
Laam
L
Chan
The Hong Kong Primary Care Research Network, F2029A, Special Block, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.
Kwong Y
KY
Wan
The Hong Kong Primary Care Research Network, F2029A, Special Block, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.
Ming S
MS
Ng
Division of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, School of Public Health building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.
Dicken C C
DC
Chan
Division of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, School of Public Health building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.
Samuel Y S
SY
Wong
Division of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, School of Public Health building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.
Martin C S
MC
Wong
D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology*; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D002947:Cities; D003710:Demography; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology