PREVALENCE OF MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AND THEIR IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN KERALA
Dr. Raseena P. A.*, Rafeeda M Razak, Riya Mohamad Rafik, Nuha Maryam Chemnad Lesiath
ABSTRACT
Background: Menopause is a natural physiological transition characterized by the cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months. This phase is frequently accompanied by physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms that may negatively affect a woman’s quality of life (QOL). Understanding the prevalence and impact of these symptoms is crucial for designing appropriate health interventions. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of postmenopausal symptoms and assess their impact on the quality of life among postmenopausal women attending a tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient and inpatient departments of a tertiary care centre in Palakkad from 1st June 2024 to 1st August 2024. A total of 127 postmenopausal women aged 45–60 years who consented to participate were included. Women with induced menopause, those on hormonal therapy, with chronic medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or unwilling to participate were excluded. Data were collected using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire. Results: ‘Willingness to be alone’ (87.40%), a psychosocial domain symptom, was the most prevalent. Among the four MENQOL domains, the physical domain recorded the highest mean score (23.35 ± 17.86), indicating symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and sleep disturbances. Overall, 73% had a good QOL, 26% moderate, and 1% poor. QOL showed a significant association with education (p=0.006), socioeconomic status (p=0.003), and postmenopausal duration (p=0.002). Conclusion: Most postmenopausal women reported good QOL. Education, socioeconomic status, and longer postmenopausal duration were key determinants of better QOL. Targeted health education and psychosocial support may further enhance well-being.
Keywords: Menopause, Postmenopausal symptoms, Quality of life, MENQOL, Kerala, Women's health.
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