Comparison of Physical, Psychosocial and Cognitive Factors, and Depression between Middle-aged Women and Middle-aged Men

Kim, Hee Kyung

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to provide basic data for nursing programs in order to reduce depression among middle aged adults by looking at gender differences. METHOD: A comparative descriptive design was used. Subjects were 315 adults from February. 15 to March. 2, 2005, using a structured question- naire. The data was analyzed using chi-square-test, Pearson correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression.
RESULTS
chi-square-test revealed significant gender differences in socio- demographic variables for career, drinking, smoking, and satisfaction with the spouse. The factors that influenced depression for men were stress, fatigue, job satisfaction and self-efficacy. For women, those factors were stress, family support, coping skills, and well-being.
CONCLUSIONS
The results show that gender differences existed in terms of depressions, in terms of factors influencing depression. As a result, when middle aged adults are provided nursing programs, gender differences should be considered. To decrease the depression of men, nursing interventions are needed to decrease their stress and fatigue, and to improve their job satisfaction and self-efficacy. To decrease the depression of women, it is also needed to decrease their stress, to elevate their family support and coping skills, and to support them so that their well-being is perceived good.