Depression, Self-esteem, and Quality of Life in a Community Population.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between depression, self-esteem and quality of life in a community population. METHODS: The subjects were given questionnaires which included general characteristics, measures of depression, self-esteem, and quality of life. Data were analyzed by the SPSS/WIN 12.0 program. RESULTS: The mean score of depression was 81.47 (range 40~150). Gender, age, education, marital status, subjective economic status, subjective health status and disease were significantly associated with depression. The mean score of self-esteem was 30.42 (range 16~39). Education, marital status, subjective economic status, subjective health status and disease were significantly associated with self-esteem. The mean score of quality of life was 156.29 (range 81~229). Age, education, marital status, subjective economic status, subjective health status and disease were significantly associated with quality of life. 28.9% of the subjects had experiences with depression symptoms. There were significant correlations among depression, self-esteem and quality of life. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate a need for a nursing intervention to decrease levels of depression in the depression group. In addition, it is necessary to develop a mental health promotion program in order to enhance self-esteem and quality of life in a community population.