Quality of life and associated factors among postmenopausal women in a rural village of Northern Kerala: a cross-sectional investigation

Abstract

Background: Menopause is associated with several physical, psychological, vasomotor, and sexual symptoms that can adversely affect the quality of life (QOL) of women. Evidence on menopause-related QOL from rural communities in Northern Kerala remains limited. This study aimed to assess the QOL of postmenopausal women and identify the factors associated with it. Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 naturally postmenopausal women aged 45-65 years residing in a rural village of northern Kerala from June to November 2023. Participants were selected using simple random sampling from a community sampling frame. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire incorporating the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for analysis, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The overall mean MENQOL score was 3.45±0.73, indicating a moderate decline in QOL. The physical domain had the highest mean score (4.12±1.64), followed by the vasomotor (3.82±1.76) and psychosocial (3.38±1.58) domains, while the sexual domain had the lowest mean score (2.48±1.32). Mild and moderate decline in QOL were observed in 42.0% and 38.0% of participants, respectively. Age, educational status, occupation, socioeconomic status, marital status, BMI, chronic diseases, and physical activity were significantly associated with QOL (p<0.05). Conclusions: Postmenopausal women experienced a moderate decline in menopause-related QOL, with the physical domain being the most affected. Comprehensive primary care interventions focusing on lifestyle modification, chronic disease management, and health education may improve the QOL of postmenopausal women.