Menopause-Specific Quality of Life among Rural Women: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study in Kerala, India

Aim and Objectives:The health of women in the menopausal age is often ignored by most healthcare programs in countries like India. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence and pattern of menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) and associated factors of rural women in Kerala, India.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among menopausal women in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala using a multistage random sampling method. We collected details of basic sociodemographic and reproductive problems using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. MENQOL questionnaire was used to measure the quality of life.Results:We surveyed 250 women in the age group of 48-60 years. The average score of the overall quality of life was 12.4 +/- 4.3. The mean MENQOL score was significantly poor for those with lower socioeconomic status (SES), those who had any morbidity, those who had bad perceived health status, and inactive women compared to their counterparts. The majority of women (92%) used self-care to alleviate their menopause symptoms. Women of lower SES, with any morbidity, poor perceived health status, and inactive, were more likely to report more symptoms in all domains (vasomotor, physical, and psychological). In addition, employed women reported more vasomotor and psychological symptoms compared to their counterparts.Conclusion:Menopausal symptoms are common in the population studied, and self-care is the main strategy for alleviating these symptoms. It is important to educate women about common menopause symptoms and the importance of receiving proper medical care.