Correlational Study on Health Behaviors, Menopausal Symptoms and Sexual Satisfaction in Korean Middle-aged Women

중년기 여성의 건강행위와 폐경증상, 성생활 만족도와의 관계

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identity the relationships among self reported health behaviors, menopausal symptoms, and sexual satisfaction in middle-aged women. Method: The subjects of this study were 155 women from 40 to 60 years. The data was analyzed using SPSS program for frequency, percentage, mean, t-test, ANOVA, Duncan and Pearson's correlation coefficients. Results: 1. The mean score of health behaviors was 3.10 out of maximum 4. 2. The mean score of self-reported menopausal symptoms was 1.73 out of maximum 2. 3. The mean score of sexual satisfaction was 2.73 out of maximum 4. 4. Women's degree of menopausal symptoms had negative correlations with the degree of health behaviors(r=-0.437, p<.001) and the degree of sexual satisfaction(r=-0.439, p<.001). The degree of health behaviors had a positive correlation with the degree of sexual satisfaction (r=0.470, p<.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, menopausal symptoms-based complaints by middle-aged women were negatively correlated to health behavior and sexual satisfaction. Therefore, health behavior should be considered when developing nursing strategies for middle-aged women, especially when dealing with menopausal symptoms and sexual satisfaction.