Factors associated with general and health-related quality of life in menopausal transition among women from Serbia

ABSTRACT

This study assessed factors associated with quality of life (QOL) among Serbian peri- and postmenopausal women using two menopause-specific scales. This cross-sectional study included 500 women aged 40–65 years who had a gynecologic check-up in one of two Community Health Centers in Belgrade during February 2014 to January 2015. Women completed: a questionnaire about socio-demographics, habits, and health status; a menopause-specific questionnaire, Utian’s Quality of Life Scale (UQOL); and a Women’s Health Questionnaire (WHQ) and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). Higher education was associated with better occupational UQOL and memory/concentration, but with lower emotional UQOL and more anxiety/fears. City center residency was associated with better occupational and sexual UQOL. Being employed was associated with better occupational UQOL and lower anxiety/fears. Higher income was associated with better emotional UQOL. Not having uterine prolapse, insomnia, or tachycardia was associated with better occupational UQOL and fewer sleep problems. Higher parity was associated with better sexual UQOL. Having regular recreation was associated with better health and sexual UQOL but with more frequent vasomotor symptoms. Leaner women felt more attractive. QOL during the menopausal transition does not entail only somatic symptoms and therefore requires a more comprehensive approach that includes psychosocial underpinnings.

KEYWORDS:

• Menopause
• quality of life
• Serbia
• women’s health

Acknowledgments

We sincerely appreciate Prof. dr Wulf Utian, Dr Myra Hunter and MAPI Research Trust for allowing us to adapt and use the original version of the UQOL and WHQ, respectively. The authors would like to express their gratitude to the two Community Health Centers in Belgrade (“Vracar” and “Rakovica”) for allowing us to conduct this study using their patients and facilities. Finally, we would like to thank all participants for taking interest in our study.