Evaluating the around and after Menopausal Symptoms and Personal Perception of Quality of Life among Women in Qatif, Saudi Arabia, Attending the Hospital and PHCs

Abstract

Background: Menopause is a period where natural cessation of menses occurs, some quality of life characteristics changes with some symptoms associated with this time such as hot flushes and anxiety. Objective: To evaluate and specify the level of impact of these symptoms on the quality of life among women in the Qatif area, Saudi Arabia and to study the factors that may involve in their perception. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 151 women aged 40 - 60 years old interviewed at either hospital or PHCs, a translated and revised questionnaire of other studies with some adoption. Results: 151 women out of 200 participated in questionnaires, majority of them were highly educated having at least a bachelor’s degree around 80%, and around 75% of participants were either working or retired, with a moderate level of income and enjoying a good lifestyle 93% in around and 97% in the after menopause. With the majority, were not used hormones 95% or conceptive pills 91%, personal perception of health were high around 93% for around and 97.2% for after menopause with no significant statistical difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Perception and knowledge of menopause were very high, with no differences in the severity of symptoms of the four QOL domains for the around or after menopause among the participants. High level of education and increased level of income and knowledge of the participants may play an important role in the result, so further investigation is advised.