Asian Nurs Res.  2015 Sep;9(3):265-270. 10.1016/j.anr.2015.07.002.

Relating Factors for Depression in Korean Working Women: Secondary Analysis of the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V)

• Lee KJ
• Kim JI

• KMID: 2344326
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.anr.2015.07.002

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the health behaviors and risk factors for self-reported depression in Korean working women.
METHODS
This study adopted a secondary analysis from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES-V) for the Health Examination Survey and Health Behavior Survey, using stratified, multi-stage, cluster-sampling design to obtain a nationally representative sample. Data were gathered on extensive information including sociodemographic, occupational characteristics, health behaviors and depression. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to compute the odds ratio (OR) between health behaviors and depression to identify the health behaviors and the risk factors for depression with adjustment for the complex sample design of the survey.
RESULTS
The prevalence rate of depression was 15.5% among working women. Depression was more common in older female workers and in those with part-time job. Current smokers were significantly more likely to be depression-positive. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, significant variables of depression were marital status (OR = 2.02; 95% CI [1.05, 3.89]), smoking status (OR = 1.55; 95% CI [1.01, 2.38]), stress (OR = 0.20; 95% CI [0.15, 0.26]), employment condition (OR = 1.77; 95% CI [1.34, 2.33]) and health status (OR = 2.10; 95% CI [1.53, 2.87]).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the study, factors leading to depression were marital status, current smoking, stress, employment condition and self-reported health status. Further studies are expected to unravel the characteristics of stress. Health care providers for women need to evaluate underreported depression and change their associated health behaviors. Also it is necessary to establish preventive strategies for female workers to control the negative effect of depression in the workplace.

Keyword

depression; risk factors; working women

MeSH Terms

Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depressive Disorder/*epidemiology
Employment
Female
Health Behavior
Health Status
Humans
Logistic Models
Marital Status
Middle Aged
Nutrition Surveys
Prevalence
Republic of Korea/epidemiology
Risk Factors
Self Report
Smoking/epidemiology
Women, Working/*psychology
Workplace
Young Adult