Mental health aspect of quality of life in the menopausal transition. (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dotlic, Jelena; Radovanovic, Sanja; Rancic, Biljana; Milosevic, Branislav; Nicevic, Selmina; Kurtagic, Ilma; Markovic, Nikolina; Gazibara, Tatjana
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics & gynaecology. Volume 42:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 49
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Depression -- anxiety -- memory -- sleep -- menopause; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Medicine, Psychosomatic -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; 616.08
• DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2020.1734789
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-482X

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate factors associated with mental health quality of life (QOL), such as depressed mood, anxiety, poor memory and sleep, among midlife women according to the menopausal status. Material and methods: Participants were 500 women aged 40–65 years. Data were collected using socio-demographic questionnaire, Women's Health Questionnaire (domains of depressed mood-DEP, anxiety-ANX, memory-MEM and sleep-SLE) and Short Form-36 (Mental Composite Score) for assessment of health-related QOL. Factors associated with poorer DEP, ANX, MEM and SLE were examined using adjusted linear regression models. Results: In premenopausal women, lower household monthly income ( p = .046) was associated with higher level of DEP; higher body mass index ( p = .045) was associated with higher ANX; having gynecological illnesses ( p = .017) and menopause-related symptoms ( p = .039) were associated with poorer MEM; being married ( p = .036), drinking alcohol ( p = .036) and having more physical activity ( p = .041) was associated with better SLE. In postmenopausal women, worse DEP was more likely among women residing in city outskirts ( p = .009), who are not married ( p = .038) and with sedentary occupations ( p = .049); lower education level ( p = .030) was associated with more ANX; lower education level ( p = .045) and having menopause-related symptoms ( p = .044) were associated with poorer MEM; not engaging in regular recreation ( p = .031) was associated with better SLE. Conclusions: To improve QOL, pre- and postmenopausal women should not only be supported in the management of menopause-specific symptoms. Women should also receive recommendations as to the behavioral and personal changes when approaching the midlife period.