J Nutr Health.  2025 Apr;58(2):200-212. 10.4163/jnh.2025.58.2.200.

Comparison of the health and dietary characteristics of postmenopausal middle-aged women according to subjective health perception: Based on the 8th (2019–2021) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

• Yeo T
• Kim CS
• Yang YJ

• KMID: 2568110
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2025.58.2.200

Abstract

Purpose
This study compared the differences in health and dietary characteristics according to the subjective health perception among postmenopausal middle-aged women.
Methods
Data from the 8 th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021) were utilized. The participants were naturally postmenopausal women aged 45–59 years, categorized into three groups (good, moderate, and bad) based on their subjective health perception. The general and biochemical characteristics, prevalence of diseases, mental health indicators, dietary behavior factors, food groups, and nutrient intake were compared according to subjective health perception.
Results
Bad subjective health perception was associated with lower education levels, not engaging in economic activity, and higher rates of alcohol drinking and smoking. Women with bad subjective health perception had higher fasting blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1c levels, blood insulin concentrations, and triglyceride concentrations, as well as lower total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. In addition, the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and anemia was higher in this group. Women with bad subjective health perceptions were more likely to perceive themselves as fat or thin, experience activity restrictions, perceive stress, have suicidal ideation, and have sought medical assistance for mental issues. They also had higher rates of skipping lunch, lower frequency of fruit consumption, engaging in dietary therapy, feeling chewing discomfort, and higher total daily energy intake.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that bad subjective health perception in postmenopausal middle-aged women is associated with a higher prevalence of diseases, worse mental health status, and less healthy dietary behaviors. These results can serve as foundational data for future guidelines on desirable health and dietary behaviors aimed at improving the subjective health perceptions of middle-aged women after menopause.

Keyword

postmenopause; middle aged; health behavior; nutritional status; diagnostic self evaluation