Women's Experiences about Menopause and Related Factors

Women’s quality of life following menopause is influenced not only by physical and psychosocial factors, but also by menopause-related concerns, their feelings and attitude and adjustment to menopause. The aim of the present study was to assess women’s experiences after menopause and its related factors.
This descriptive study was conducted in 2016 on 350 menopausal women referred to 12 health centers affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Subjects were recruited using a two-stage sampling method, and data were collected through interview using two questionnaires, including a demographic questionnaire and a valid and reliable questionnaire, the “assessment of women’s experiences in after menopause”. Data was analyzed using Pearson and spearman correlation coefficient, one way ANOVA and multiple linear regression statistical methods.
Assessment of women’s experiences in after menopause revealed a total score of 34.9±16.9 percent (Mean±SD). Scores for the domains of women’s experiences in menopause were 42.8±19.3% for physical complications, 34.8±26.4% for negative attitudes, 34.1±27.5% negative feelings, 32.7±19.6% for concerns, 33.2±28.2% for adjustment, and 29.5±24.3% for psychological complications. Duration of menopause was the only predicting factor for total score of women’s experiences in menopause, i.e., with addition of one year to duration of menopause, the total score decreased by 1 point.
Duration of menopause was the only predicting factor for the total score of women’s experiences. Future policies and programs for improving quality of life of women after menopause should concentrate on decreasing menopause related physical complications, negative attitudes and feelings, concerns and psychological complications.