Depression across the menopausal stages in the United Arab Emirates: prevalence and risk factors

TL;DR

The study finds high rates of depression among menopausal women in the UAE, with perimenopausal women and lifestyle factors like smoking and poor sleep being significant risks.

Contribution

This study is the first to quantify depression prevalence and identify specific risk factors in menopausal women in the UAE.

Findings

10% of participants had severe depression, and 56.6% had at least mild depression.

Perimenopausal women were six times more likely to have severe depression than postmenopausal women.

Smoking, physical inactivity, and poor sleep quality were strongly linked to severe depression.

Abstract

Menopause amongst women in the UAE may increase the risk of depression. However, scientific data from the Middle East is limited to prove it.

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 279 peri- and post-menopausal women living in the UAE (June-September 2024) using the PHQ-9 to assess depressive symptoms. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 28. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine significant associated risk factors for depression among menopausal women.

10% of participants had severe depression, while 56.6% of participants had at least mild depression. Compared to postmenopausal women, perimenopausal women were more likely to experience severe depression (OR = 6.0, p < 0.001). Additionally, women under 50 years of age were at greater risk of depression (OR = 7.42, p < 0.001). Significant associations were observed with participants who had lower education (OR = 12.2, p < 0.001), nulliparity (OR = 3.44, p = 0.012), poor income (<AED 4,000) (OR = 5.32, p = 0.003), and hormonal contraceptive use (OR = 4.43, p = 0.001). Lifestyle factors like physical inactivity (OR = 4.0, p = 0.001), smoking (OR = 13.66, p < 0.001), and poor sleep quality (OR = 7.96, p < 0.001) were also significantly associated with severe depression.

Depression is highly prevalent among women going through menopausal transition in the UAE, with perimenopausal women and modifiable risk factors (smoking, physical inactivity, poor sleep quality) demonstrating significant associations. These results reinforce the need for early mental health screening and lifestyle counseling for women in the UAE, especially those going through the menopausal transition.

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