Biological, Physical, and Psychosocial Challenges in Women During Mid and Later Life

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the biological, physical, and psychosocial challenges women experience in their mid and later life and to  to identify  the potential associations based on demographic factors.

Methodology:  A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2024 on women aged 40 years and above. A sample size of 419 was collected using convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured e-proforma that comprised demographic variables and the “Developmental Crises Questionnaire-12” (DCQ-12). The questionnaire was disseminated through social groups and email. The data were analyzed in SPSS 26.

Results: Overall, 60 women (14.3%) scored 3.5 or higher on the subscale “lack of clarity and control,” indicating a crisis in this aspect.  Mean scores were 2.5 for 'disconnection and distress,' 3.07 for 'turning point and transition,' and 2.9 for overall DCQ 12. Developmental crises mean score of ≥3.5 was found in 9% of women aged 40-50, 16.9% for 51-60, and 27.6% for over 60 (p = 0.002). Additionally, 9% of housewives, 18% of medical professionals, and 27.5% of non-medical employees scored 3.5 or higher (p = 0.001). Furthermore, 19.8% of women with medical education achieved this score compared to 10.5% with non-medical education (p = 0.007), suggesting developmental crises are more common among those with medical education than non-medical education.

Conclusion: A considerable number of women experienced a crisis in “clarity and control”.  Mid-to-late life crises are significantly associated with women's age groups, occupations, and educational background.