*Article* **Depression and Its Association with Health-Related Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women in Korea**

**Hyejin Park 1 and Kisok Kim 2,\***


Received: 28 September 2018; Accepted: 21 October 2018; Published: 23 October 2018

**Abstract:** Menopause is associated with depressive symptoms that can significantly affect a woman's quality of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between depression and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in postmenopausal women. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, participants (*n* = 3860) were selected from the 2013–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The sociodemographic characteristics, medical history of depression, and EQ-5D scores of the participants were obtained from the KNHANES dataset. Age, educational level, and income were associated with HRQoL in these participants. Moreover, depression exerted a considerable influence on HRQoL in postmenopausal women. The adjusted odds ratios in participants with depression for the EQ-5D dimensions were as follows: 5.52 (95% CI = 4.04–7.55, *p* < 0.001) for anxiety/depression, 3.86 (95% CI = 2.78–5.36, *p* < 0.001) for usual activities, and 2.52 (95% CI = 1.68–3.78, *p* < 0.001) for self-care. Our findings sugges<sup>t</sup> a strong association between depression and HRQoL. Hence, preventing the onset or exacerbation of depression may significantly improve quality of life in postmenopausal women.

**Keywords:** demographic factor; EQ-5D; health-related quality of life; depression
