Introduction: Women constitute half of the population, and their health is fundamental to the health of families and communities. Therefore, attention to the role of social determinants of health is important. This study aimed to investigate the association of individual, social, and economic factors with the mental health of middle-aged women.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among middle-aged women aged 30–59 years in Isfahan who had health records in the Iranian Women’s Health Program. Sixteen Comprehensive Health Service Centers were randomly selected, and eligible women were included using a census approach. Data on psychological distress and social determinants of health were extracted from health records and analyzed.

Results: Data from 725 middle-aged women were analyzed. Significant associations were found between psychological distress and working conditions (p=0.04) and between psychological distress and disability and incapacity (p=0.02). In contrast, no significant associations were observed between psychological distress and the strength of family relationships, economic status, access to social support and health services, or general and environmental factors. A history of mental illness was also significantly associated with psychological distress (p<0.001).


Conclusion: Some social determinants of health, particularly working conditions and disability or incapacity, are associated with the psychological status of middle-aged women. Attention to these factors may contribute to planning interventions to promote mental health in this population.