Factors Associated with Depression among Middle Aged Adults in Their 40s and 50s

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine factors affecting depression among middle aged adults in their 40s and 50s. This study used the 2020 Gyeonggi Provincial Life Quality Survey data and selected 7,644 adults in their 40s and 50s out of a total of 16,000 respondents. Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted. For study results, being female, being older, and having higher education were associated with higher level of depression. Perceiving higher socioeconomic status and being employed were associated with lower the level of depression. As for health related factors, higher level of stress and having had suicidal thoughts increased the level of depression. As for social environmental factors, higher family satisfaction, higher social relationship satisfaction, and having person who provided help were statistically associated lower level of depression. Based on these results, implications about reducing the level of depression for the middle aged adults were discussed.