The mind, body, sexuality triangle in the postmenopausal period: evaluation of menopausal attitude, depression, and sexual life quality
BMC Women's Health, vol.26, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 26 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1186/s12905-026-04525-9
- Journal Name: BMC Women's Health
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: Depression, Menopausal attitude, Postmenopausal period, SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing, Sexual quality of life
- Yozgat Bozok University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background: This study investigates the attitudes of postmenopausal women toward menopause and various related factors and assesses levels of depression and quality of sexual life. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and December 2023 in a public hospital in Turkey with a total of 160 menopausal women. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. Menopause Attitude Assessment Scale (MAAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire were used as data collection tools. Results: The study group’s ages ranged from 42 to 75, with a mean age of 54.76 ± 5.42 years. Their scores on the MAAS varied from 6 to 48, averaging 26.71 ± 8.14. Women with mild menopausal symptoms tended to hold more positive attitudes toward menopause. No significant correlation was found between the BDI and the MAAS scores (r = -0.129; p = 0.104). However, a positive correlation emerged between positive menopausal attitudes and higher sexual quality of life (r = 0.287; p = 0.001). In multivariable analysis, Beck Depression Inventory scores (β = 0.285, p < 0.001) and quality of sexual life scores (β = − 0.271, p < 0.001) were found to be independently associated with MAAS scores. Conclusion: This study suggests that menopausal attitudes in postmenopausal women may be associated with sexual quality of life and depression levels. However, causal inferences cannot be made due to the cross-sectional design.