Quality of life and its determinants in postmenopausal women: a population-based study

This study aimed to assess quality of life (QOL) and its determinants in Iranian postmenopausal women.

This population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using cluster sampling design. The samples consisted of postmenopausal women aged 40-60 years with total household in Rasht city (north Iran) as the sample frame. Quality of life was assessed by Menopause-Specific QOL (MENQOL) Questionnaire. Mean domain scores and factors related to the higher score of each domain were determined.

Findings showed that the mean scores for each domain were: vasomotor: 2.14 ± 1.49; psycho-social: 1.56 ± 0.85; physical: 1.91 ± 0.52 and sexual: 1.37 ± 1.05. Comparing the median of the studied domains, physical domain had the worst score in menopausal women. Pain in joint and muscle, one item of physical domain, had the highest score. The univariate analysis demonstrated that women aged 60-65 (p < 0.0001), women with postmenopausal stage 5 or more years (p < 0.0001), married women (p < 0.05), women holding higher education degree (p < 0.05), employed women (p < 0.05), women with a body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m(2) (p < 0.05) and women who do physical activity (p < 0.05) showed better QOL. Based on Logistic Regression model, the predictive factors of normal QOL in menopause status were: age, husband education, score of Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and BMI.

Our findings suggest that menopause-related symptoms had negative impact on QOL. Confirmation by further research is needed.