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Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
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Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged Women in Peninsular Malaysia

Nor Zuraida Zainal, MBBCh, MPM, MPhil

Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, zuraida{at}ummc.edu.my

A household survey was carried out in Peninsular Malaysia to determine the prevalence rate of depressive symptoms in middle-aged women and to explore its associated factors. Women aged 45 to 60 years were assessed on sociodemographic profiles, menopausal status, depressive symptoms, marital dissatisfaction, and coping strategies. A total of 3934 women participated, and the mean age was 51 years. The prevalence rate of depressive symptoms was 54.2%. Of the married women, 38.4% had poor to very severe problems in their marriage. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with marital status (P < .001), ethnicity (P < .001), educational levels (P < .001), occupational status ( P < .001), domicile (P < .001), and menopausal status ( P < .05). Depressive symptoms were correlated with marital dissatisfaction scores. Women who consulted professionals, shared with relatives, kept problems to themselves, or consulted parents/siblings had higher mean scores on depressive symptoms compared with those who did not use these coping strategies.

Key Words: depressive symptoms • middle age • women • menopause

Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health, Vol. 20, No. 4, 360-369 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1010539508322538
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