Title : Depression status and its associated factors among middle aged women of Madhyabindu municipality of Nawalpur district, Nepal
Abstract:
Objectives: This study aimed to assess depression and its associated factors among middle-aged women in western Nepal.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 women aged 40–60 years using a multistage sampling method. Probability proportionate to size sampling was used to select wards, followed by random sampling of sub-wards. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire, and depression was measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21). Logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS.
Results: Overall, 31.6% of participants experienced depression: mild (17.42%), moderate (10.57%), and severe (2.97%). While 58.6% had good knowledge of mental illness, illiteracy significantly increased the risk of depression (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.01–4.5). Women with insufficient income (less than six months’ coverage) were more likely to be depressed (AOR = 6.76, 95% CI: 2.04–22.31). Those sleeping less than six hours (AOR = 3.88, 95% CI: 1.95–7.70) and those with chronic illness (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.17–3.44) were also at higher risk.
Conclusion: Nearly one-third of middle-aged women in western Nepal suffer from depression. Enhancing mental health awareness and improving access to mental health services for this population is critical to addressing this growing public health issue.
Keywords: Knowledge on mental illness, Depression status, Middle-aged women, BDI-21, Western Nepal
