Factors Associated with the Prevalence of Depression Severity in Postmenopausal Women in the Dominican Republic

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and explore sociodemographic factors associated with depression among postmenopausal Dominican women. Methods: Data were collected through interviews with 248 postmenopausal women aged 40 or older attending the Hato del Yaque Center in Santiago, Dominican Republic, in 2021. Participants on antidepressants or hormonal replacement therapy were excluded. The survey included sociodemographic questionnaires, Beck’s Depression Inventory, and the Hudson Sexual Satisfaction Index. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses, were conducted using SPSS version 15.0. Results: Sociodemographic characteristics revealed that the majority of participants were aged 50-59, had basic to intermediate education levels, and were either in a common-law relationship or single. The number of children was significantly associated with depression severity (p=0.015), with women having two children exhibiting higher levels of depression. Age correlated significantly with sexual satisfaction (p=0.048), with women aged 50-54 reporting lower satisfaction. However, no significant relationship was found between sexual satisfaction and depression severity (p=0.158). Conclusion: The study identified the number of children as a significant sociodemographic factor influencing depression severity among postmenopausal Dominican women. Age was found to impact sexual satisfaction levels, although no direct link between sexual satisfaction and depression severity was observed. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of depression risk factors in this population and suggest targeted interventions to address mental health challenges among postmenopausal women in the Dominican Republic.