Relationship Between Health-Promoting Behaviors and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Menopause is one of the most important stages of women’s life in the path of development which, comes with a series of other problems. The health status and quality of life issues of the postmenopausal women are serious challenges for many health areas. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between health promotion behaviors and the quality of life of postmenopausal women. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was performed on 200 postmenopausal women in the west of Tehran. The armamentarium for this study was a three-part questionnaire comprising demographic data, the second version of Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP II) and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL). Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical tests using SPSS V. 20. Results: The results showed that the mean score of health promotion behaviors was 2.49 ± 0.47 (in moderate level). More than half of the participants had a good quality of life, an overall quality of life mean score being 70.63 ± 37.49. The overall score of health promotion behaviors and quality of life was better in women who were married, younger aged, with good economic status, employment and those who achieved higher education. Conclusion: The results of Pearson correlation test showed that there is a significant reverse correlation between quality of life and health promotion behaviors in the stress management dimension (P = 0.013). Therefore educational programs are recommended as an effective, economical and safe approach to reducing the menopause problems and augmenting the quality of life.