Keywords
Post-menopausal
Quality of Life (QoL)
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Menopause, marked by the permanent cessation of menstruation and a decline in ovarian hormone production, brings various physical and psychological symptoms that impair the overall quality of life.
Objective: To assess the quality of life in postmenopausal women.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 188 postmenopausal women at Dhulikhel municipality, Kavre. Menopause- specific Quality of Life questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews from October 2022 to January 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the socio-demographic information and quality of life, and inferential statistics were used to identify the difference in quality-of-life domain scores.
Results: The study revealed that 109 (58%) of postmenopausal women faced moderate to severe physical symptoms and 85(45%) reported significant vasomotor symptoms. Physical and psychosocial symptoms worsen in women over 55 years. Non-smokers had better quality of life, while smokers experienced more severe symptoms. Obesity was associated with more physical (mean score: 3.3) and psychosocial symptoms (mean score: 2.9), whereas underweight women struggled with sexual issues (means core: 3.1). A positive correlation existed between vasomotor, psychosocial, and physical domains. There was significant association of age, education, and health conditions with menopausal women's quality of life.
Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed the multifaceted nature of menopausal symptoms and the need for targeted interventions, emphasizing health education and lifestyle changes for postmenopausal women.
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