To Assess the Quality of Life Using Menopause-specific Quality of Life Questionnaire among Menopausal Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Menopause is defined by the World Health Organization as the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months in women, due to a deficiency of estrogen caused by ovarian failure. It brings about biological and behavioral changes that can negatively impact the Quality of Life (QOL). The average age of menopause for Indian women is 46.2 years. Given the increasing life expectancy and population of menopausal women in India, prioritizing menopausal health is crucial. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the QOL among postmenopausal women using the menopause-specific QOL (MENQOL) questionnaire. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center, South India. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire. In Part I, sociodemographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire. In Part II, postmenopausal symptoms were assessed using the validated MENQOL questionnaire in women up to 65 years of age. Frequencies and proportions, mean, and standard deviation were calculated. The Chi-square test was used to determine significance. A sample size of 250 was determined at a 5% alpha error and 99% confidence level. Results: In the present study, we included 250 postmenopausal women aged up to 65 years. In that, 39.2% of women were in the age group of 50–54 years. Prevalence levels of the classical menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and joint discomfort in women were 33.2%, 4%, 17.2%, and 58.8%, respectively. The overall MENQOL mean total score was found to be 8.26 ± 2.553. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, we conclude that physical symptoms related to menopause are most commonly reported by women in the middle-old age group. MENQOL can be used to assess quality of life and guide optimal care to menopausal women.