Association between Stress, Anxiety and Depression and Morbidity Pattern and BMI among Employed and Unemployed Women from Mysore City-A Comparative Study

Anees Fathima Thabassum Z, Khyrunnisa Begum

Abstract


Objectives: The study is aimed to investigate association between stress-related problems, morbidity profile and nutritional status of employed and unemployed females aged 25-40 years.

Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study carried out in Mysore city. 66 employed (EW) and 33 unemployed married women (UEW) participated; self-reported questionnaires were used to obtain information such as demographic details, stress level, general health problems (GHP), type and duration of sickness, general health profile (GHQ) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) and skin-fold thickness (SFT)) were also obtained.

Results: The results highlighted that household responsibilities did not differ among EW and UEW. UEW enjoyed more recreation time (p<0.0001). Frequency of GHP and intensity of PMS did not differ; however, pattern of morbidity, i.e., type of sickness and their co-occurrences differed significantly (p<0.0001) among the two groups. Regularity of menstrual cycle and cycle duration were essentially similar while the frequency of menstrual problems exhibited significant differences. Heavy bleeding (57%UEW) and dysmenorrhea (77% EW, 68% UEW) were seen in higher frequency. EW experienced anxiety and depression at moderate to severe levels while stress was mild to moderate. The UEW had mild to moderate levels of anxiety and depression while 72% had no stress. Stress, anxiety and depression correlated with GHP, GHQ, PMS and menstrual problems. The correlation was extremely significant for EW. Among UEW, menstrual pain was positively and BMI was negatively correlated to stress, anxiety and depression.

Conclusion: Stress, anxiety and depression are commonly occurring mental health issues; working women experience these at a higher frequency, and they have significant influence on morbidly pattern and menstrual problems. These issues should be dealt with at top priority in managing women’s health.


Keywords


Women’s health, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Pre-menstrual symptoms, General health problems, Menstrual problems, Nutritional status.

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