A Study of the Relationship Among Health Promoting Behaviors, Climacteric Symptoms and Depression of Middle-Aged Women

Yoo, Eun Kwang; Kim, Myoung Hee; Kim, Tae Kyung

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship among the health promoting behaviors, self-reported climacteric symptoms and depression on a cross-sectional survey design. The subjects were 108 middle-aged women who were non-hystrectomized and ranged in age from 40 to 60. They were selected in Seoul and Kyoung-ki province, Korea. Data were collected from Oct. 25 to Nov. 10, 1997 by a structured questionnaire. The instrument used for this study was the revised Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile(HPLP) developed by Walker, Sechrist and Pender, revised Climacteric Symptoms Scale developed by Chi, Sung Ai, and the Beck's Depression Inventory(BID). The data were analyzed by the SPSS/PC+ program using t-test, ANOVA and Scheffe test as a post hoc and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The results of the study were as follows ; 1. The mean score of health promoting behaviors was low(2.42+/-0.35). There were statistically significant difference in the score of health promoting behaviors according to the educational background, family income, marital satisfaction, and whether or not taking a restorative food(t=-2.07, F=2.60~7.57, p<0.05). 2. The mean score of self-reported climacteric symptoms was 1.69 ; 99% of middle-aged women had symptoms. There were statistically significant difference in the score of middle-aged women's self-reported climacteric symptoms according to the age, number of children, educational background, occupation, family income, marital satisfaction, whether or not receiving hormone replacement therapy(HRT) or consultation experience with a professional, and perceived health status(t=-2.04~3.69, F=2.87~11.63, p<0.05). 3. The mean score of depression was 10.84. There were statistically significant differences in the score of the depression according to the age, number of children, educational background, occupation, marital satisfaction, whether or not receiving menopausal treatment of consultation by a professional, and perceived health status(t=-2.25~3.00, F=3.50~9.24, p<0.05). 4. Women's degree of health promoting behaviors was a negative correlation with the degree of climacteric symptoms(r=-0.19, p=0.03) and the degree of depression(r=-0.23, p=0.01). The degree of climacteric symptoms was a positive correlation with the degree of depression(r=0.64, p=0.01). In conclusion, health promoting behavior should be considered when developing nursing strategies for middle-aged women, especially when dealing with climacteric symptoms and depression.