Factors influencing seogeulpeum among middle-aged Korean women

This study aimed to examine factors associated with seogeulpeum (a feeling of loneliness and solitude) - including aging anxiety, menopausal symptoms, social support and self-efficacy - in middle-aged women to provide fundamental data for future research endeavors.

One hundred and fifty-nine women aged 40-60 years were recruited from two cities in Gyeongnam Province and Busan City. Gu and Eun's Seogeulpeum Scale was employed to evaluate seogeulpeum, alongside questionnaires to assess menopause status and symptoms, self-efficacy, social support and aging anxiety. To determine factors influencing seogeulpeum, a multiple stepwise regression analysis was conducted.

The average seogeulpeum score was 2.4 ± 0.44, indicating a moderate level of seogeulpeum experienced by the participants. Seogeulpeum was positively correlated with aging anxiety and menopausal symptoms, and negatively with self-efficacy and social support, among which aging anxiety most significantly influenced seogeulpeum. Aging anxiety, menopausal symptoms and social support combined accounted for 60.9% of the variation observed in seogeulpeum.

The findings indicate the importance of health interventions aimed at reducing aging anxiety and menopausal symptoms and enhancing social support for promoting well-being and facilitating a healthy menopausal transition among middle-aged women. Additionally, seogeulpeum can serve as a valuable process indicator during this stage of multiple transitions for women.