Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression and Anxiety in Postmenopausal Women Attending PHCs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Depression and anxiety disorders are frequent in postmenopausal women and have deleterious effects on their physical and mental health. No studies have so far been conducted to measure the prevalence and risk factors of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women who attend Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to measure the prevalence and risk factors of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women attending peripheral health centers of Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC), Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Arabic translations of the self-administered General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 were used to diagnose and grade the severity of anxiety and depression respectively. Results: We included 280 women aged 54.5+/-1.49 years. The estimated prevalence of depression and general anxiety disorder was 31.4% (88). 62 (22.1%) of the participants had both depression and anxiety. Physical activity [0.36(0.19-0.69)], diabetes mellitus [4.97(2.85-8.67)], and previously either depression or anxiety [3.86 (1.66-8.94), 2.48 (1.01-6.12)] were significant predictors of depression using logistic regression. Physical activity [0.20 (0.10-0.40)] and a history of depression or anxiety [3.31 (1.42-7.67), 3.54 (1.46-8.57)] were significant predictors of anxiety. Conclusion : There is a high burden of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal Saudi women. We suggest routine screening for mental illnesses and promotion of regular physical activity in postmenopausal women in Saudi Arabia, particularly those with diabetes, low levels of physical activity, and a history of mental illness.