Effect of menopausal symptoms on psychological problems among middle-aged women

Abstract

Background Menopause characterizes the end of the female reproductive period. Psychological problems such as anxiety and depression are reported among women in the menopausal period. Aim The aim was to find out the effect of menopausal symptoms on psychological problems such as anxiety and depression among middle-aged women. Participants and methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. This study was conducted at eight colleges from Zagazig University. A convenience sample composed of 200 menopausal women was recruited. Four tools were used for collection of data: interview questionnaire, menopause rating scale, Beck depression inventory scale, and Taylor manifest anxiety scale. Results More than three-quarters of the studied women were aged 50 years and older, with the mean age being 53.6±6.3 years. Nearly half of them had severe menopausal symptoms. More than one-third had mild depression and more than half of them had severe anxiety. Conclusion Nearly half of the studied women had severe menopausal symptoms. More than one-third had mild depression and more than half of them had severe anxiety. There were positive statistically significant correlations among total menopausal symptom, anxiety, and depression scores. Moreover, there were statistically significant relations between total menopausal symptom score and both educational level and duration of menopause. Recommendations The present study emphasizes that depression and anxiety are commonly prevalent among the middle-aged women; therefore, women should be screened in the menopause transition period, especially for clinically significant depression and anxiety, as some changes in women lifestyle like diet and exercises can improve good mood. Moreover, training programs should be designed for middle-aged women to decrease psychological problems associated with menopause, and delivery of mental health services in this group is essential.