A Big Data Analysis of Factors Influencing the Quality of Life Among Middle-Aged Women

Abstract

Introduction: Advancements in science and medicine have led to increased life expectancy, contributing to a growing middle-aged population. Middle-aged women, in particular, experience a range of physical, psychological, and social changes. These transitions underscore the need for targeted interventions to support their well-being and enhance their quality of life.

Objectives: This study utilized data from 12,268 respondents, selected from a total of 24,269 participants in the 2016–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Methods: The objective was to identify key factors influencing the quality of life among middle-aged women, with a focus on self-perceived economic status. Analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS 22.0, applying a weighted complex sample design and setting the level of significance at 0.05. Variables examined included general characteristics, physical conditions, and psychological states.

Results: Participants were categorized based on perceived economic status—high, normal, or low. Distinct patterns emerged in the determinants of quality of life across these groups.Among women perceiving themselves as having high economic status, significant predictors included education level, average sleep duration, depression, subjective body image, and perceived health status, collectively explaining 35.2% of the variance (F = 6.8, p < .001). For those with a normal perceived economic status, quality of life was significantly influenced by age, education level, depression, and perceived health status, accounting for 28.4% of the variance (F = 7.5, p < .001). In the low economic status group, determinants included economic activity, stress, depression, subjective body image, and perceived health status, which together explained 40.2% of the variance (F = 16.6, p < .001).

 Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of developing stratified and individualized health promotion strategies tailored to the economic perceptions of middle-aged women. Such targeted interventions can more effectively enhance their quality of life by addressing specific needs within each socioeconomic context.