Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Women in Rural and Urban Communities of North-West Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Menopause is a significant life milestone in women as they age. It affects Quality of Life, causing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social challenges. The aim of this study was to document Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of Life among menopausal Women in Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among menopausal women using questionnaires to assess socio-demographics, reproductive histories, perceptions of symptoms and quality of life. The Utian QoL questionnaire (UQoL) and menopause rating scale (MRS) were used. Data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solution version 26.0. Results: Four hundred twenty women were recruited. Total MRS score was 15.38 ± 6.02 with mean scores of 5.61 ± 2.63 somatic, 5.23 ± 2.33 psychological, and 3.56 ± 2.47 sexual domains. Sleep problems (99.8%), physical and mental fatigue (85.2%), joint and muscular pain (82.4%) and sadness (82.1%) were the commonest symptoms. Linear regression of MRS indicated significant association with pregnancies and births (p = 0.011 and 0.022). The overall UQOL was 85.53 ± 12.77. Zero parity and no education were associated with lower UQOL score (p = 0.011 and p = 0.001 respectively). Marriage was associated with a greater UQOL (p = 0.001). Presence of Menstrual related symptoms predicted poor health and sexual UQOL. Conclusion: Prevalence of menstrual related symptoms was quite high and its presence predicted poor Qol. Menopausal women should receive information about symptoms, treatment options, and lifestyle adjustments from healthcare workers to improve their quality of life.