Abstract
BackgroundChinese menopausal women comprise a large population and the women in it experience menopausal symptoms in many different ways. Their health related quality of life (HRQOL) is not particularly well studied. Our study intends to evaluate the influence of menopause on HRQOL and explore other risk factors for HRQOL in rural China.MethodsAn interview study was conducted from June to August 2010 in Beijing based on cross-sectional design. 1,351 women aged 40–59 were included in the study. HRQOL was measured using the EuroQol Group’s 5-domain (EQ5D) questionnaire. Comparison of HRQOL measures (EQ5D index and EQ5D-VAS scores) was done between different menopausal groups. Logistic regression and multiple regression analysis were performed to adjust potential confounders and explore other risk factors for health problems and HRQOL measures.ResultsPostmenopausal women who had menopause for 2–5 years (+1b stage) were more likely to suffer mobility problems (OR = 1.835, p = 0.008) after multiple adjustment. Menopause was also related to impaired EQ5D index and EQ5D-VAS scores after adjustment for age. Among menopausal groups categorized by menopausal duration, a consistent decrement in EQ5D index and EQ5D-VAS scores, that is, worsening HRQOL, was observed (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed low education level and physical activity were associated with EQ5D index (β = -0.080, p = 0.003, and β = 0.056, p = 0.040, respectively). Cigarette smoking and chronic disease were associated with EQ5D index (β = -0.135, p < 0.001 and β = -0.104, p < 0.001, respectively) and EQ5D-VAS (β = -0.057, P = 0.034 and β = -0.214, p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsReduction in physical function was found within the first five years after menopause. Worsening EQ5D index and EQ5D-VAS scores were related to menopause. Education level, physical activity, cigarette smoking, and chronic disease history were associated with HRQOL in middle aged Chinese rural women.
Highlights
Chinese menopausal women comprise a large population and the women in it experience menopausal symptoms in many different ways
The differences of menopausal symptoms suggest that the impact of menopause on Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) may be different in China
Most women never smoked and only 4.0% of women drank alcohol. 32.7% of women exercised over five times per week and 54.7% of women never or rarely did physical exercise. 1.6% of women had a history of stroke, 4.5% coronary heart disease, 8.7% diabetes, and 30.7% hypertension
Summary
Chinese menopausal women comprise a large population and the women in it experience menopausal symptoms in many different ways. Their health related quality of life (HRQOL) is not well studied. Women during menopause experience biological changes and social and cultural changes [7] These changes make them more vulnerable to physical health problems and mental health disorders [8,9]. Western studies have shown women experiencing menopause may have impaired HRQOL [11,15,16,17], we cannot necessarily draw the same conclusion in a Chinese population. After 2 years follow up, no significant effect was found of menopausal transition on quality of life among Taiwanese women [19]
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