Determinants of quality of life in Greek middle-age women: A population survey

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the present study was to evaluate how sociodemographic parameters, lifestyle indicators and intensity of climacteric symptoms affect the quality of life (QOL) of Greek community dwelling middle-aged women. Study design This population survey included 1140 middle-aged women aged 45–65 who represented 1% of the whole female population of this age group in Greece, stratified by residential area. Main outcome measures Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire concerning sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters, medical history, the Utian quality of life (QOL) scale and the Greene climacteric scale rating menopausal symptoms. Results In the univariate analysis, normal body mass index, married status, higher education, employment, good financial status, physical exercise and a high calcium diet were associated with higher total QOL scores ( p-value < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that higher total QOL scores were predicted by being married (separated/divorced/widowed: beta = −3.17, p-value = 0.008), by physical exercise (beta = 4.84 and beta = 4.57 for 1–3 h and >3 h per week respectively, p-value < 0.001) and by a good financial status (beta = 7.05, p-value < 0.001), while a higher score in the Greene scale resulted in lower total QOL scores (beta = −0.77, p-value < 0.001). Women with a better QOL were more health conscious and more probable to have utilized the public health preventive resources. Conclusions Menopause as a life event has no effect on the QOL of Greek middle-aged women. On the contrary, the presence and intensity of climacteric symptoms have a negative impact on all aspects of QOL. Marital and financial status, as well as physical exercise, are also significant predictors of QOL.