• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.52-61
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• 2009

Objectives : The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life and evaluate the risk factors affecting severity of menopausal symptoms in early and late postmenopausal women based on the stages of reproductive aging workshop(STRAW) paradigm. Methods : This cross-sectional study examined 497 Korean postmenopausal women aged 41-59 years in Seoul and Gyeonggi province. We divided subjects into early postmenopause group and late postmenopause group. Menopause Rating Scale(MRS) was used to measure the quality of life. MRS scores, sociodemographic variables, smoking, alcohol use, age at menopause, and risk factors such as attitude to menopause, depression, history of premenstrual dysphoric disorder were compared between early and late postmenopause groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed in each group to assess the independent contribution of several variables. Results : Early postmenopause group showed significantly higher MRS scores, more negative attitude toward menopause, higher scores of depressive symptoms than late postmenopause group. Moderate to very severe hot flush group showed significantly, more negative attitude toward menopause, higher score of depressive symptoms, and higher MRS scores than none to mild hot flush groups. Depressive symptoms and attitude toward menopause contributed to the severity of menopausal symptom in both early and late postmenopause groups. Chronological age, age at menopause, history of PMDD contributed to severity of menopausal symptoms in early postmenopause group while marital status and occupation contributed in late postmenopause group. Conclusion : Health-related quality of life in postmenopause women was significantly lower in early postmenopause group than the late. Attitude toward menopause and depressive symptoms contributed significantly to quality of life in both early and late postmenopause groups but other variables contributed differently in each group. Further studies on clinical samples of postmenopausal women in order to confirm quality of life and its risk factor are needed to be done.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.57-65
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• 2015

Objectives:Within the normal reproductive cycles of women, dramatic fluctuations of sexual hormones occur in the premenstrual and menopausal periods. In both periods, women are vulnerable to mood disturbances and show several somatic complaints. Based on these common clinical profiles and physiological changes, a relationship between vasomotor symptoms and the premenstrual syndrome has been suggested. However, attempts to establish such a link have yielded inconclusive results. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between histories of premenstrual syndrome and menopausal vasomotor symptoms within different menopausal stages. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited Korean women aged 45-64 years who were perimenopausal and postmenopausal from 16 branch offices of the Korean Association of Health Promotion. All subjects completed self-report questionnaires that asked about a history of premenstrual syndromes, vasomotor symptoms, and several other variables. Results:A total of 1054 participants(361 perimenopausal women and 693 postmenopausal women) completed the study. Severity of premenstrual symptoms significantly correlated with postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms, only in late perimenopausal(r=0.213, p=0.010) and early postmenopausal women(r=0.246, p<0.001). After adjusting for several factors related to vasomotor symptoms, a history of premenstrual syndrome was a significant predictor of moderate to very severe vasomotor symptoms in late perimenopausal(OR=5.197, p=0.005) and early postmenopausal women(OR=3.017, p=0.010). Conclusions:This study suggests that a history of premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder is differentially associated with vasomotor symptoms in the menopausal stage. Prospective studies with larger population are needed to confirm these findings

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.136-146
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• 2021

This study is a descriptive research to determine the degree of self-esteem, menopausal symptom, spousal support of middle-aged women and investigate the factors affecting aging anxiety. For 3 weeks from May 23 to June 13, 2020, data total of 110 people were collected using online questionnaires for late middle-aged women. As a result of date analysis, factors affecting aging anxiety in late middle-aged women were menopausal symptoms(B=17.943, p<.001), self-esteem(B=-.585, p=.001) and the explanatory power of the regression model was 41.4%. Therefore, in order to lower againg anxiety, active intervention for menopausal symptoms of late middle-aged women is required, and measures should be taken to increase self-esteem.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.287-296
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• 2016

Purpose: This study identified the level of marital intimacy, menopausal symptom and sexual function, and examined factors affecting sexual function in postmenopausal married women. Methods: With cross-sectional survey, a sample of 245 subjects aged 45 to 60 years was recruited from January to March, 2014. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires which included marital intimacy questionnaire (MIQ), menopause rating scale (MRS), and female sexual function index (FSFI). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Marital intimacy, menopausal symptom and sexual function scores of subjects were $3.46{\pm}1.14$, $13.71{\pm}6.61$, and $12.55{\pm}8.33$, respectively. Marital intimacy and menopausal symptom were related to sexual function. Variables including marital intimacy, psychosocial and urogenital menopausal symptom, period since menopause and body mass index therapy explained 51.5% in sexual function of participants. Conclusion: When nurses plan sexual counseling and education for sexual function of postmenopausal married women, it is necessary to consider marital intimacy, menopausal symptoms, and menopause-related factors.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.239-247
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship among body image, depression and sexual function in Korean postmenopausal women. Methods: Subjects were 96 postmenopausal women who have lived in Korea. Data was collected using Semantic Differential scale, CES-D, and FSFI. Results: The level of body image was positive, depression was mild, and sexual function was moderate. There were no significant correlation between depression and sexual function. The subjects who had more positive body image experienced higher sexual function and less depressed mood. Conclusion: These findings showed the need for a knowledge development program for nurses regarding women's sexual function. Also, nurses must do counseling with sexual partner's and consider patients' body image when counseling those who complain of sexual dysfunction.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.28-37
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to address the difference menopausal symptoms according to sasang constitution and menopausal status among perimenopausal women. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study was collected by administering questionnaires that elicited general information. The menopause rating scale (MRS) and Questionnaire for the Sasang Constitution Classification II (QSCC II) was given to 284 perimenopausal women who met the eligibility criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Results: The study subjects were composed of 27.5% so-yangin, 24.6% so-eumin, 18.7% tae-eumin, and 29.6% undefined category. The total MRS and all subscales were significantly higher for postmenopausal women in comparison to premenopausal women. Especially, so-eumin and tae-eumin displayed significantly higher scores in urogenital symptoms. The MRS score in postmenopausal women who belonged to the group of tae-eumin and so-eumin was significantly higher than those for premenopausal women. However, so-yangin displayed higher scores in psychological and urogenital symptoms than tae-eumin for premenopausal women. So-eumin presented significantly higher scores in urogenital symptoms in comparison to the undefined category for postmenopausal women. Conclusion: These findings suggest that sasang constitution could be an important factor in understanding the woman's menopausal symptoms and identify the best treatment.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.146-156
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• 2016

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between vasomotor symptoms and factors such as sociodemographics, health behaviors, medical condition, depression, stress, anxiety, attitude toward menopause, and quality of life. Methods : We conducted a cross-sectional study in peri- and post-menopausal women enrolled by the Korean Association of Health Promotion. Subjects submitted self-report questionnaires about vasomotor symptoms and other clinical symptoms. Associations between vasomotor symptoms and clinical variables were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression analyses. Results : 1951 women completed self-report questionnaires and 1022 women were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of vasomotor symptoms in peri- and post-menopausal women was 63.9%. Variables showing significant differences between subjects with vasomotor symptoms and subjects without them were score of Beck Depression Inventory, Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument-Korean Version, proportions of clinically significant depression(Beck Depression Inventory ${\geq}16$), Menopausal rating scale, attitude towards menopause, the 4 subscales of World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF(Physical health, psychological, social relationships, environment), and a History of Premenstrual syndrome/Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that Beck Depression Inventory, Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument-Korean Version, Menopausal Rating Scale, and the Psychological subscale of World Health Organization Quality of Life -BREF show associations with vasomotor symptoms. Conclusions : Menopausal vasomotor symptoms are associated with various psychological factors, especially with depression. Midlife women suffering vasomotor symptoms should therefore be screened for depression. Future prospective studies where clinical subjects are diagnosed using structured interviews, focusing on the causal relationship between depression and vasomotor symptoms are necessary.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.82-93
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• 2010

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to explore attitude and belief about menopause and severity of menopausal symptoms according to menopausal status. This study conducted a cross-sectional assessment of the effects of depressive symptoms and the severity of trait anxiety on the severity of menopausal symptoms. Methods : Participants were all outpatients at the psychiatric outpatient clinic of Korea University Guro Hospital. All participants, aged 40 to 64, had depressive or anxiety disorders and were divided into the premenopause, perimenopause, premenopause, and postmenopause groups. Menopause Rating Scale(MRS) was used to measure the severity of menopausal symptoms. The attitude toward menopause was examined by a self-report questionnaire regarding menopause. Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI) were used to assess depressive symptoms and anxiety. Results : The severity of menopausal symptoms was not different among the groups according to menopausal status. There was a significant correlation between a negative attitude toward menopause and the severity of menopausal symptoms. Patients with moderate to severe depressive symptoms and trait anxiety had more severe menopausal symptoms. Conclusion : Negative attitude toward menopause, depressive symptoms, and anxiety had a significantly negative impact on the severity of menopausal symptoms. The results of this study suggest that treatment to relieve depressive symptoms and anxiety and intervention to reduce negative attitude toward menopause are required. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to evaluate potentially effects of depressive symptoms and anxiety on severity of menopausal symptoms in middle-aged female psychiatric patients.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.258-267
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of study was to compare depression, marital intimacy, sexual function and quality of life between a group of sexually active women and a group of women who were sexually inactive. All of the women were post-menopausal married women. Methods: Post-menopausal married women (n=395) of 40 to 59 years old participated in the study. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires which included items on general characteristics, and tools on depression (CES-D), marital intimacy (MIQ), sexual function (FSFI), and quality of life. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, $X^2-test$, ANCOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: About 42% of the participants were identified as sexually inactive. Marital intimacy, sexual function, and quality of life in the sexually active group were significantly higher than the inactive group (F=17.12, p<.001; F=36.86, p<.001; F=16.78, p<.001). Depression scores in the sexually active group were significantly lower than in the inactive group (F=14.64, p<.001). Also, there was a significant relationship of depression, marital intimacy, and sexual function to quality of life in both groups. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that health professionals need to counsel and provide a psychosexual approach especially when caring for post-menopausal married women who are sexual inactive.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.66-74
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• 2013

Purpose: This study examined the relationships among menopausal symptom, self-efficacy, health promoting behaviors, and investigated factors affecting health promoting behaviors of teachers with middle-aged women experiencing menopause. Methods: From September to October 2012, a convenience sample of 252 subjects aged 40 to 60 years was recruited from 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools and 5 high schools. The data analysis was done by ANOVA and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Menopausal symptom of subjects was slightly lower than general middle aged women and the average level of health promoting behaviors was similar to general middle aged women. Health promoting behaviors were differentiated by severity of menopausal symptom, not by menstruation state. Menopausal symptom was negatively related to health promoting behaviors. The most significant factor affecting health promoting behaviors was self efficacy (14.3%). The combination of self efficacy, menopausal symptom, and elementary school teachers accounted for 20.1% of health promoting behavior. Conclusion: When developing health promotion program for teachers with middle-aged women, such program should consider self-efficacy, menopausal symptom, and school type.