본 연구는 제8기 (2019–2021) 국민건강영양조사 자료를 이용하여 폐경 이후 중년 여성의 주관적 건강인지에 따른 건강과 식생활 특성을 비교하기 위해 진행되었다. 자연폐경 된 45–59세의 중년 여성을 대상으로 주관적 건강인지에 대한 답변을 바탕으로 건강인지 좋음, 보통, 나쁨군으로 나누었다. 폐경 이후 중년 여성의 주관적 건강인지가 나쁠수록 교육수준이 낮았고, 경제활동을 하지 않으며, 음주빈도와 흡연율이 높았다. 나쁨군에서 공복혈당, 당화혈색소, 혈중 인슐린 농도, 중성지방 농도가 높았고, 혈중 총콜레스테롤, HDL 콜레스테롤 농도는 낮았다. 또한, 고중성지방혈증과 빈혈의 유병률은 높게 나타났다. 이와 더불어 주관적 건강인지가 나쁨군은 본인의 체형이 정상이라고 생각하는 비율이 낮았고, 활동에 제한이 있고, 심한 스트레스, 자살생각, 정신문제로 상담을 받은 경험이 있었다. 식생활에서는 주관적 건강인지가 나쁨군이 점심식사 결식율이 높았고, 과일 섭취 빈도는 낮았다. 본 연구 결과는 향후 폐경 이후 중년 여성의 주관적 건강인지를 향상시키기 위한 바람직한 건강 및 식생활 행태에 대한 가이드라인의 기초자료로 이용될 수 있을 것이다.
Purpose: This study compared the differences in health and dietary characteristics according to the subjective health perception among postmenopausal middle-aged women. Methods: Data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021) were utilized. The participants were naturally postmenopausal women aged 45–59 years, categorized into three groups (good, moderate, and bad) based on their subjective health perception. The general and biochemical characteristics, prevalence of diseases, mental health indicators, dietary behavior factors, food groups, and nutrient intake were compared according to subjective health perception. Results: Bad subjective health perception was associated with lower education levels, not engaging in economic activity, and higher rates of alcohol drinking and smoking. Women with bad subjective health perception had higher fasting blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1c levels, blood insulin concentrations, and triglyceride concentrations, as well as lower total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. In addition, the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and anemia was higher in this group. Women with bad subjective health perceptions were more likely to perceive themselves as fat or thin, experience activity restrictions, perceive stress, have suicidal ideation, and have sought medical assistance for mental issues. They also had higher rates of skipping lunch, lower frequency of fruit consumption, engaging in dietary therapy, feeling chewing discomfort, and higher total daily energy intake. Conclusion: These findings suggest that bad subjective health perception in postmenopausal middle-aged women is associated with a higher prevalence of diseases, worse mental health status, and less healthy dietary behaviors. These results can serve as foundational data for future guidelines on desirable health and dietary behaviors aimed at improving the subjective health perceptions of middle-aged women after menopause.