Sexual Function Status, Depression and Marital Adjustment in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to examine the sexual function, depression and marital adjustment of postmenopausal women. Methods: In this descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted with 502 postmenopausal women, data were collected using the participiant description form, Female Sexual Function Scale, Menopause Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Data were evaluated with descriptive statistics, chi-square and correlation analysis. Results: In the study, it was found that 48% of the women had sexual dysfunction, 8.2% had severe depressive symptoms and their marital adjustment was low. It has been determined that women with sexual dysfunction have increased depression levels, low marital adjustment, and women with low marital adjustment have increased depression levels. Conclusion: The postmenopausal period is a period that constitutes an important part of a woman's life, has its own symptoms and is a period in which women experience significant changes. It is recommended that education and counseling be provided for sexual problems and depression experienced during this period, that spouses be included in the process, and that women be evaluated with a holistic care focus.