Clinical factors associated with anxiety and depression in Korean women with abnormal uterine bleeding

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and the relationship of anxiety and depression in Korean women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Methods: The study was a questionnaire study of 124 Korean women aged 1555 who visited a single university hospital due to AUB between September 2015 and December 2019. Anxiety, depression were assessed using the Korean Beck Anxiety Inventory (K-BAI), the Korean Beck Depression Inventory-II (K-BDI-II). The obstetrical and clinical data were analyzed to assess the association of anxiety and depression with AUB. Results: Out of 124 patients, 47 (37.9%) met the criteria for anxiety, and 24 (19.5%) met the criteria for depression. The most common menstrual problems seen were heavy menstrual bleeding (80.7%), followed by irregular bleeding (62.9%), dysmenorrhea (55.7%), and irregular menstrual cycles (33.9%). More women with AUB in our study had anxiety as measured by the K-BAI and depression as measured by the K-BDI-II. A history of abortion and cesarean section (C/sec) were related with anxiety, whereas a history of minor surgery was related to depression. Anxiety and depression (r = 0.629, p < 0.001) were correlated with AUB. Conclusion: A history of abortion and C/sec were associated with a risk of anxiety state and a history of minor surgery was associated with depression in women with AUB symptoms. Anxiety and depression are underdiagnosed and undertreated in Korean women with AUB symptoms. Screening and appropriate mental health management are needed for women with AUB for womens health.