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Journals / Journal of Basic and Clinical Health Sciences / 2026 / Volume: 9 Issue: 2

The Relationship Between Menstrual Poverty and Depressive Symptoms in Women Aged 15-49 in Balçova District of İzmir

Tuba Polat(Balçova Belediyesi)0000-0003-2140-8411
Zeynep Varol(DOKUZ EYLUL UNIVERSITY)0000-0002-6724-1488
Hatice Şimşek(DOKUZ EYLUL UNIVERSITY)0000-0001-7209-485X
Pages
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Publication Date
2025-05-31
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Policymakers are urged to address this issue and develop supportive interventions for women.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between menstrual poverty and depressive symptoms in women aged 15-49 living in the Fevzi Çakmak and Çetin Emeç neighborhoods of Balçova, İzmir.
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Key Findings & Data:Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 15-49 living in Balçova between December 2022 and August 2023.
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Conclusion & Impact:Policymakers are urged to address this issue and develop supportive interventions for women.
🔬Design:Survey & Empirical Study
📍Scope:2022 Verileri
⚙️Variables:depressive symptoms · menstrual poverty · poverty

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between menstrual poverty and depressive symptoms in women aged 15-49 living in the Fevzi Çakmak and Çetin Emeç neighborhoods of Balçova, İzmir. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 15-49 living in Balçova between December 2022 and August 2023. A total of 304 women were recruited using a cluster sampling method. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The dependent variable was the presence of depressive symptoms, and the independent variable was menstrual poverty. Additional variables included socio-demographic characteristics, economic status, household features, and health perception. Data analysis was performed using Chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression. Results: According to the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale, 41.1% of women reported moderate depressive symptoms, and 20.1% experienced moderately severe depressive symptoms. Over the past year, 70.4% of the participants experienced menstrual poverty. Women who experienced menstrual poverty were 2.1 times more likely to report depressive symptoms compared to those who did not (OR=2.1, p=0.012, 95% CI=1.1-3.8). Age and household income were also found to be significant risk factors for depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The study indicates that menstrual poverty negatively impacts the mental health of women in Balçova. Policymakers are urged to address this issue and develop supportive interventions for women.

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Cite This Article

Polat, T., Varol, Z., Şimşek, H. (2025). The Relationship Between Menstrual Poverty and Depressive Symptoms in Women Aged 15-49 in Balçova District of İzmir. Journal of Basic and Clinical Health Sciences, Volume: 9 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.30621/jbachs.1562886

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