Comparisons of Depression, Marital Intimacy, Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Sexual Active or Inactive Groups of Post-menopausal Married Women

Kim, Hye Young

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of study was to compare depression, marital intimacy, sexual function and quality of life between a group of sexually active women and a group of women who were sexually inactive. All of the women were post-menopausal married women.
METHODS
Post-menopausal married women (n=395) of 40 to 59 years old participated in the study. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires which included items on general characteristics, and tools on depression (CES-D), marital intimacy (MIQ), sexual function (FSFI), and quality of life. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, chi2-test, ANCOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients.
RESULTS
About 42% of the participants were identified as sexually inactive. Marital intimacy, sexual function, and quality of life in the sexually active group were significantly higher than the inactive group (F=17.12, p<.001; F=36.86, p<.001; F=16.78, p<.001). Depression scores in the sexually active group were significantly lower than in the inactive group (F=14.64, p<.001). Also, there was a significant relationship of depression, marital intimacy, and sexual function to quality of life in both groups.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study indicate that health professionals need to counsel and provide a psychosexual approach especially when caring for post-menopausal married women who are sexual inactive.