Depression and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women

Background: Quality of life (QoL) can be compromised by psychological and physical illnesses, (as in post-menopausal women occurs). The aim of this study is to verify if depression, anxiety and biological factors menopausal age, years since menopause, body mass index (BMI) can be considered predictors in postmenopausal women, and to evaluate their impact on QoL. Methods: 60 women (68.18±8.02 yrs) completed HAM-A, BDI-II, SF-36. Findings: Path analysis was conducted to test a model with menopausal age, years since menopause BMI, psychic anxiety, somatic anxiety, depression as predictors, and QoL as outcome. Data fit the final model [χ2(59) = 86.16; p = .01, CFI = .93, RMSEA = .09 (90% CI = .04 – .09)] and showed significant path from menopausal age to Physical functioning (β = - .38), Pain (β = -.21), Vitality (β = -.20). There was a significant path from Years since Menopause to Physical functioning (β = -.47), Pain (β = .24), General Health (β = -.29) an significant paths from Psychic Anxiety to Physical functioning (β = -.57), Role limitations physical (β = -.55), Pain (β = -.51), Vitality (β = -.49), Social functioning (β = -.49), Role limitations emotions (β = -.55), Emotion well-being (β = -.54) and from Depression to General Health (β = -.42). Discussion: These results showed the role of psychic anxiety and of depression in the postmenopausal women perceived QoL, confirming psychological factors can lead to less functioning and life satisfaction, thus the early identification of predictors could improve wellbeing across lifespan