Does Mental Health Status Differ by Number of Health Conditions in Middle-Aged Females?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether mental health status differs by number of health conditions in middle-aged females. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used 2017 data for middle-aged females, ages 45-54, from Maine (N=2112), Massachusetts, (N=1285) Minnesota (N=3131), Mississippi (N=1036), and New Hampshire (N=1262). Ordered logistic regression analyses were conducted by state to analyze the relationship between mental health status (low, moderate, high) and number of health conditions while controlling for health-related, socioeconomic, and demographic factors. Results: Across states, over half of participants reported having high mental health status (58-66%) and about three-fourths reported having 1 or more health conditions (64-91%). After controlling for health-related, demographic, and socioeconomic factors, results of adjusted analysis indicated that mental health status was inversely related to 1 or more health conditions (large effect sizes) in the majority of states. Conclusion: Across states, mental health status was found to be highly and inversely related to number of health conditions in middle-aged females and moderately related to smoking. Because this was a population-based study, results may be generalizable to middle-aged females ages 45 to 54 in a primary care setting. Since mental health status and having multiple health conditions in women ages 45 to 54, are moderately prevalent and highly related, practitioners should automatically screen for both. Providers should assess treatment options and refer to a specialist for the patient's mental health and health conditions as needed.