Depression Among Korean Women

Shin, Kyung Rim

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine depression in order to identify and improve health care policies promoting health among Korean women. METHOD: There were 329 participants, all older than 18 years old, and staying in Kyungki-Do, city. The data was collected from July to September 1999. The instrument used for this study was the CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) to evaluate depression. The collected data was analyzed with frequency, percentage, t-test, ANOVA, X2-test and Multiple logistic Analysis. RESULT: The result of this study are as follows: 1. Among the participants, 90.6% had normal to mild depression and 9.4% had severe depression. 2. For general characteristics, there were significant difference in the degree of depression according to age(P=0.0001), and marital status(P=0.0001). As for health related characteristics, the depression scores were affected by health perception(P= 0.0001), menopause(P=0.0005), stress (P= 0.0001) and sexual activity (P=0.0001). 3. There was a significant relationship between marital status and stress.
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that a replicate study is needed. The results are also is useful in developing various nursing intervention programs.