Depression and psychological strength levels of women in the perimenopausal period with the relationship between attitudes towards early diagnosis of cervical cancer

This research was conducted in a descriptive and relationship-seeking manner to determine the relationship between the depression and psychological strength levels of women in the perimenopausal period and their attitudes towards the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. The sample of the study consisted of women who applied to Konya Çumra State Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Polyclinic between March 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024, and met the research criteria. Research data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Information Form, Women's Psychological Empowerment Scale (WPES), Perimenopausal Depression Assessment Scale (PDAS) and The Scale of Attitudes Towards Early Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer (SATEDCC). While calculating descriptive data, mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage were used. Pearson correlation was used in data analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis was used in predictive variable analysis. One-way MANOVA test was used for scale score comparison. During the comparison, Tukey and Tamhane T2 tests were used according to homogeneous distribution. The average age of women in the study was found to be 47.39±3.79 (min=40, max=53). Women's WPES score was found to be 68.61±13.74, and their PDAS score was 7.18±6.89. Although women's psychological strength levels were not at a sufficient level, their depression score averages were found to be low. In the study, the mean SATEDCC score of women was 80.95±10.48; It was determined that their knowledge level about early diagnosis of cervical cancer and screenings and their participation in cervical cancer screenings were above average. While there was no significant relationship between women's psychological strength level and attitude towards early diagnosis of cervical cancer, it was determined that there was a significant relationship between perimenopausal depression level and attitude towards early diagnosis of cervical cancer. In the data obtained; In predicting the SATEDCC-perceived sensitivity sub-dimension, WPES-strength/defensiveness (β=0.234, t=4.622, p<0.001), WPES-self-esteem (β=-0.190, t=-3.431, p<0.01) and Perimenopausal Depression Assessment Scale (β=0.136, t=2.763, p<0.01) significant were found to be predictors. In predicting The Scale of Attitudes Towards Early Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer and Perimenopausal Depression Rating Scale (β=0.165, t=3.584, p<0.001) WPES-self-esteem (β=-0.297, t=-5.569, p<0.001), WPES-assertiveness/advocacy (β=0.273, t=5.591, p<0.001) and Perimenopausal Depression Rating Scale (β=0.161, t=3.382, p<0.01) significant were found to be predictors. As a result of the study, it was determined that as the level of perimenopausal depression increased, the attitude towards the early diagnosis of cervical cancer increased at a positive level. No significant relationship was found between women's psychological strength level and attitudes towards early diagnosis of cervical cancer. It is recommended that midwives evaluate the psychological strength and depression levels of women in the perimenopausal period, refer women who need support to specialists, and increase the effectiveness and number of trainings given on early diagnosis of cervical cancer and screening. Key Words: Attitude; Cervical Cancer; Early Diagnosis; Perimenopausal Depression; Psychological Power.