Mental well-being in 5000 women participating in the 'Women-Plus' preventive medicine program

Maturitas. 2002 Apr 15:41 Suppl 1:S9-12. doi: 10.1016/s0378-5122(02)00010-5.

Abstract

In the present study, we report on an additive evaluation of mental well-being in an established program of preventive medicine including general and gynecologic examination, and screening mammography. An easy-to-use questionnaire including 19 questions was completed by 5247 women. Answers were grouped into mental well-being, zest for living, sexuality, and self-assessment of psychic disorders. A risk score for the presence of major depression was calculated. Women with high and intermediate risk for major depression were found in 5.0-7.2% and 15.4-19.8% depending on age, respectively. Seven to 9.2% and 19.2-26.5% of women suspected themselves to be at a high and intermediate risk for psychic disorders, respectively. Deterioration of well-being as well as the risk of developing depression is mostly overlooked in a general preventive medicine setting. We conclude that problems involving mental well-being seem to affect a significant number of women. The incorporation of easy-to-use questionnaires able to screen for mental problems to general preventive medicine programs must be strongly recommended.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Austria / epidemiology
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Depression / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Menopause / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Preventive Health Services
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Women's Health