Quality Of Life In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Gamified Exercise with Kinect: Can Kinect-Based Virtual Reality Training Improve Physical Performance and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Osteopenia, caused by estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women (PMW), lowers Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and increases bone fragility. It affects about half of older women's social and physical health. PMW experience pain and disability, impacting their health-related Quality of Life (QoL) and function. This study aimed to determine the effects of Kinect-based Virtual Reality Training (VRT) on physical performance and QoL in PMW with osteopenia. The study was a prospective, two-arm, parallel-design, randomized controlled trial. Fifty-two participants were recruited in the trial, with 26 randomly assigned to each group. The experimental group received Kinect-based VRT thrice a week for 24 weeks, each lasting 45 min. Both groups were directed to participate in a 30-min walk outside every day. Physical performance was measured by the Time Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST), Modified Sit and Reach Test (MSRT), Dynamic Hand Grip Strength (DHGS), Non-Dynamic Hand Grip Strength (NDHGS), BORG Score and Dyspnea Index. Escala de Calidad de vida Osteoporosis (ECOS-16) questionnaire measured QoL. Both physical performance and QoL measures were assessed at baseline, after 12 weeks, and after 24 weeks. Data were analyzed on SPSS 25. The mean age of the PMW participants was 58.00 ± 5.52 years. In within-group comparison, all outcome variables (TUG, FRT, FTSST, MSRT, DHGS, NDHGS, BORG Score, Dyspnea, and ECOS-16) showed significant improvements (p < 0.001) from baseline at both the 12th and 24th weeks and between baseline and the 24th week in the experimental group. In the control group, all outcome variables except FRT (12th week to 24th week) showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) from baseline at both the 12th and 24th weeks and between baseline and the 24th week. In between-group comparison, the experimental group demonstrated more significant improvements in most outcome variables at all points than the control group (p < 0.001), indicating the positive additional effects of Kinect-based VRT. The study concludes that physical performance and QoL measures were improved in both the experimental and control groups. However, in the group comparison, these variables showed better results in the experimental group. Thus, Kinect-based VRT is an alternative and feasible intervention to improve physical performance and QoL in PMW with osteopenia. This novel approach may be widely applicable in upcoming studies, considering the increasing interest in virtual reality-based therapy for rehabilitation.

Urdu translation, cross-cultural validation and reliability of ECOS-16 questionnaire among post-menopausal women with osteopenia.

Escala de Calidad de vida Osteoporosis (ECOS-16) was originally developed in Spanish to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in post-menopausal women (PMW) with osteoporosis or osteopenia based on the osteoporosis-specific QoL instruments. ECOS-16 has been translated into several languages, but the Urdu version is not yet available. To translate the ECOS-16 Questionnaire into Urdu and determine its validity and reliability in PMW with osteopenia. This was a linguistic validity and reliability study. ECOS-16 was translated into Urdu using Beaton's guidelines. Content validity was examined using Waltz's four-point ordinal scale. Twenty osteopenia-afflicted PMW aged 48-70 underwent pilot testing for face validity. Discriminant validity was determined by an independent T-test between PMW women with and without osteopenia. Convergent validity was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Cronbach's alpha and Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) assessed internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The factor analysis was used to describe the factors. Each question's content validity ratio (CVR) was 0.83-1.00, while the scale's S-CVR was 0.96. Each question's Likert scale content validity index (CVI) was 0.91-0.93, while the scale's S-CVI was 0.91. Significant discriminant validity was found between groups in weeks I and II (p-value < 0.001). A correlation coefficient of 0.89 and 0.96 (p-value < 0.001) between Urdu ECOS-16 total score and SF-36 and EQ-5D scores suggests convergent validity. One component explained 83.86% of Urdu ECOS-16's variance in factor analysis. Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.990, 95% CI, 0.985-0.994, p-value < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha for standardized items was 0.995. ECOS-16 translated in Urdu is a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess QoL in PMW with osteopenia. It has a simple and easy language that can be understood easily by the Urdu-speaking population.

Effects of aquatic exercises on physical fitness and quality of life in postmenopausal women: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate and update the effects of aquatic exercise on physical fitness and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women. The databases Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the topic from inception to July 2022. The GetData software was used to extract data from the published images. RevMan5.4 software was used for statistical analysis. Data are expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). I2 index was employed for heterogeneity. Egger's test was used to assess publication bias. We evaluated the methodological quality of included studies using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. We included 594 participants in 16 RCTs (19 comparison groups). The results indicated that aquatic exercise can significantly improve lower limb strength (LLS), upper limb strength (ULS), agility, flexibility, and overall QoL. No significant effects were found on aerobic capacity. Subgroup-analysis results indicated that aquatic exercise only significantly improved LLS, ULS, agility, and flexibility in postmenopausal women < 65 years of age. However, aquatic exercise improves the overall QoL both in postmenopausal women < 65 years and ≥ 65 years. Aquatic resistance exercise significantly improves LLS, ULS, agility and flexibility. In addition, aquatic aerobic exercise can effectively increase LLS, and combined aquatic aerobic and resistance exercise can enhance the overall QoL. Aquatic exercise can effectively improve physical fitness and overall QoL in postmenopausal women, but has limited effects on aerobic capacity; thus, it is highly recommended in postmenopausal women.

Effect of 12-Week-Zumba Training on Postural Balance, Lower Limb Strength, Mood and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women

ABSTRACT We aimed to investigate 12-week-Zumba training effects on physical and psychological parameters, and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women. Forty-two postmenopausal women were randomly allocated to a control group or a Zumba group (ZG). Postural balance, lower limb strength, mood level, and QoL were assessed before and after the 12-week-Zumba training. The ZG showed significantly better balance performances under all conditions such as on firm and foam surfaces with opened and closed eyes as well as improvements in limb strength, mood and QoL compared to their baselines. Thereby, 12-week-Zumba training was effective in improving postural balance, limb strength, mood and, QoL in postmenopausal women.

The Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Quality of Life Among Postmenopausal Women

Background: With increased life expectancy and changes in lifespan, now women spend more years after menopause. Women with menopausal symptoms may experience a lower quality of life (QoL) and complain about poor sleep quality. This study aimed to examine the relationship between QoL and sleep quality in postmenopausal women. Methods: This research was a predictive correlational study. The study sample was 200 postmenopausal women referred to the healthcare centers affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Mashhad City, Iran, in 2021. The subjects were selected through multistage cluster sampling. To assess the quality of sleep and life quality, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Menopause-Specific QoL questionnaire (MENQOL) were used. The obtained data were analyzed by the Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression in SPSS software, version 21. The significance level was set at P&lt;0.05. Results: The mean±SD age of the subjects was 53.92±6.13 years. Their mean±SD scores of sleep quality and QoL were 48.62±21.98 and 4.93±2.74, respectively, and 37% of women had sleep disorders. The multiple determination coefficient for the linear regression model was equal to 0.35, and there was a significant direct relationship between sleep quality and QoL (b=3.72, 95% CI =2.70-4.74, P&lt;0.001). So for each unit change in sleep quality, the average QoL score increased by 3.72 units. Conclusion: Considering the relationship between sleep quality and QoL in postmenopausal women, it is recommended that these women use appropriate methods to improve sleep quality. Also, health professionals should keep this issue in mind when examining the health status of this group of women.

Disease Burden and Treatment Preferences Amongst Postmenopausal Women with Severe Osteoporosis in Greece.

The objectives of this study were to elicit self-reported health status, quantify osteoporosis-related burden, and understand preferences for treatment attributes among postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis in Greece. Postmenopausal women with self-reported severe osteoporosis, defined as having suffered at least one osteoporotic fracture and reporting a T-score of ≤-2.5, were asked to evaluate their health status, osteoporosis management, and disease-related physical, emotional, and financial burden. Participants were also asked to rate a series of treatment attributes and state their preference for unlabeled anabolic treatments, based on scenarios describing key treatment characteristics. Approximately one third (31%) of the 186 participants who responded to the survey in full had been living with severe osteoporosis for more than 10 years. Three quarters of participants (72%) considered their overall quality of life (QoL) to be worse than it had been 10 years prior, and the vast majority (89%) attributed this deterioration to osteoporosis. Direct, out of pocket, disease-related costs of at least €100 per month were reported by 86% of participants. Patients attached the greatest value to a treatment that would decrease probability of future fractures, followed by increase in bone density, safety, and mode and frequency of administration. When asked to select their preferred treatment scenario between two anabolic treatments, 70% of participants opted for the scenario that shared treatment characteristics with romosozumab over a scenario that shared treatment characteristics with teriparatide. Our study revealed that osteoporosis placed a considerable burden on QoL for postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis in Greece. Patients reported valuing treatment efficacy, measured through reduction in future fractures and increase in bone density, and safety, as key treatment attributes.

Effectiveness of Physiotherapeutic Group Education in Improving Quality of Life, Physical Performance and Back Extensor Muscle Strength among Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis

Introduction: Menopause associated symptoms may interrupt daily activities and wellbeing among postmenopausal women. Decline in muscle strength and bone mineral density may lead to bone fragility, increase osteoporotic fracture risk, decrease functional performance and quality of life (QOL) among postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of 8-weeks physiotherapeutic education (an education session and home-based exercise) on back extensor muscle (BEM) strength, physical performance, balance and QOL in postmenopausal women. Methods: A single blinded, two-arm pilot randomize clinical trial consisting of 30 postmenopausal women with mean age of 68.90 (SD = 8.44) years were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Experimental group received a group education and performed 8-weeks of home-based exercises. Participants in experimental group recorded exercises performed in their exercise diaries and a physiotherapist monitored their progress through phone calls every two weeks. Control group maintained their daily routine. Assessments were performed at baseline and after eight weeks of intervention for quality of life (QOL), physical performance, BEM strength, handgrip muscle strength and balance using Euro-EQ5D Questionnaire, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test, prone trunk extension test with a load cell, hand-held dynamometer and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, respectively. Results: The adherence of exercise in experimental group was 86.67%. Mixed model ANOVA analysis showed that there was an interaction effect for BEM strength (p &lt; 0.01). Specifically, the self-perceived health status (EQVAS), EQ5D health Utility index, SPPB and ABC scale had more improvements from pre to post test (all p &lt; 0.05) among experimental compared to control group. Conclusion: Physiotherapeutic education (a group education combined with 8-weeks of therapeutic home-based exercises) provides an effective means to improve BEM strength and physical performance in postmenopausal women.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Treatment With Hormonal Therapy - A Review Study.

This review aimed to analyze the significance and impact of health-related quality of life (QoL) in women with breast cancer undergoing treatment with hormonal therapy. This study developed a comprehensive, structured, systematic search strategy to identify literature related to health and QoL in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment with hormonal therapy. The search was conducted for published literature indexed in PubMed (Medline), Cancer Lit, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Web of Science between 2010 and 2020. Patients associated with the study of QoL reported some difficulties in terms of depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, sleep problems, pain, sexual dysfunction and sleep disorders. Endocrine-related symptoms did not fluctuate between interventions and remained unchanged in all groups. The evaluation of FACT-G scores (physical well-being subscale) showed statistically significant differences among participants receiving anastrozole versus tamoxifen and exemestane. It can be concluded that the QoL of postmenopausal women with breast cancer is affected by the long-term use of adjuvant endocrine therapy, with difference reported associated with the different therapies. However, further efforts are required to improve QoL instruments and the quantitative evaluation of QoL data for patients receiving adjuvant ET.

The Effect of Foot Reflexology on the Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women

Background: Menopausal women experience unpleasant physical and mental symptoms that adversely affect their quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on the QoL of postmenopausal women. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 90 postmenopausal women who were referred to comprehensive health centers in Yazd, Iran. The subjects were randomly allocated to two equal groups: intervention and control. The intervention group received 15 minutes of foot reflexology on each foot, twice a week for six consecutive weeks. No intervention was performed for the control group. Data were collected through the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) questionnaire. QoL scores were compared between the groups before, immediately after the intervention, and two months after the intervention using Repeated Measures ANOVA. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v. 19. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The Mean±SD of the QoL in the intervention group before, immediately after, and two months after the study were 77.44±19.05, 58.02±15.29, and 55.26±12.37, respectively. In the control group, the Mean±SD were 75.71±19.02, 74.82±16.84, and 75.46±18.05, respectively. Using Repeated Measures ANOVA, the comparison of the mean scores of QoL in the intervention group indicated that the scores decreased over time (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that foot reflexology could improve postmenopausal women’s QoL. Due to the simple and easy learning of reflexology, its training is recommended for all menopausal women to improve their QoL.

Improvement in quality of life of postmenopausal women with depression with commonly used antidepressants (Escitalopram vs. Desvenlafaxine): A randomized controlled trial in a tertiary care teaching hospital of North India

Introduction:The postmenopausal symptoms affect the quality of life (QoL) of women. Depression and anxiety too have been associated with diminished QoL. It is known that antidepressants escitalopram and desvenlafaxine are effective in the treatment of depression and anxiety. However, to the best of our knowledge, their comparative effect on the QoL of postmenopausal women with depression and anxiety has not been studied in the Indian setup.Materials and Methods:The present study was a randomized, intention to treat, open-label trial undertaken in North India's a tertiary care teaching hospital. Postmenopausal women attending the psychiatry outpatient department and newly diagnosed with depression and anxiety were randomized in two groups to receive Tab. Escitalopram 10–20 mg and Tab. Desvenlafaxine 50–100 mg. Their QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL BREF scale at baseline, 3 weeks and 6 weeks.Results:Escitalopram was observed to be statistically better than desvenlafaxine in improving the overall QoL score of the WHOQOL-BREF scale. Individually, escitalopram significantly improved the scores of the physical health domain, psychological and environmental domains except for the social relationship domain. Desvenlafaxine significantly improved scores of all four domains.Conclusion:Escitalopram was observed to be significantly better than desvenlafaxine in improving the overall QoL scores. Both the drugs were well tolerated.

Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis – The effect of exercise on markers of quality of life

Abstract Background Osteoporosis (OP) is a major and increasing health problem worldwide, especially in European countries, where the modern, sedentary lifestyle from an early age leads to brittle bones later in life. Patients affected by OP tend to move less and have a lower quality of life (QoL). This study aims to evaluate how OP affects individual markers for QoL in postmenopausal women and assess the influence of exercise on these markers. Methods The EQ-5D questionnaire was administered to evaluate Mobility, Self-care, Usual Activities, Pain/Discomfort and Anxiety/Depression in a sample of Italian women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures, aged 60-75. Markers linked to QoL were compared for these women with those of an average female Italian population (AFIP) of similar age. Concurrently, a 6-month exercise trial was conducted, in which the OP patients were divided into two groups: an exercise group (EG) and a control group (CG). The QoL was assessed for both groups at the end of the trial. Results A larger proportion of OP patients reported some problems with Mobility as compared to the AFIP (37.5% versus 31.2% respectively, p = 0.001) and in performing Usual Activities (45% versus 23.9%, p = 0.002). OP patients (77.5%) experienced some Pain/Discomfort, compared to 48.1% of the AFIP (p = 0.001). Anxiety/Depression was reported by 40% of OP patients and 18.8% of the AFIP (p = 0.001). Concerning the exercise trial, the results indicated a positive trend for Mobility and Usual Activities in the EG, while the CG markers remained unchanged. Conclusions Overall, results confirm that OP significantly affected QoL in postmenopausal women. In particular, OP negatively influenced the markers Mobility, Usual Activities, Pain/Discomfort and Anxiety/Depression. Exercise programs tailored to OP patients can improve some markers linked to QoL. Evidence suggests that health policy makers in Europe can consider including OP-adapted exercise programmes in guidelines for OP management. Key messages Osteoporosis negatively affects the quality of life for postmenopausal women. In particular, Mobility, Usual Activities, Pain/Discomfort and Anxiety/Depression markers were affected. Exercise can improve some markers linked to quality of life (Mobility and Usual Activities). Thus, it could be proposed as a treatment for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Obesity and low levels of physical activity are associated with a decreased health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women: a Wroclaw pilot study

Background: Menopause is associated with numerous somatic dysfunctions, an increased risk of chronic diseases, and complications in the mental and social components of health that lower the quality of life (QoL). Obesity and related comorbidities affect over 60% of postmenopausal women in Poland. A significant role for systematic physical activity (PA) in the prevention of dysfunctions and chronic diseases, including obesity and mental disorders, has been observed previously. A low level of PA is observed across the Polish population, especially in postmenopausal women. Aim of the study: To examine QoL in postmenopausal women participating in a community health promotion program as it relates to obesity and levels of PA. Material and methods: The study sample consisted of 76 postmenopausal women (aged 65.75±5.14 years) participating in the Active Wrocław 55+ program. Before starting the program, anthropometric measurements were taken, and QoL and PA were assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), respectively. Results: Most women had a PA level above 600 MET -min/week (78.95%), and were overweight or obese (86.84%). A waist circumference over 80 cm, indicating an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, was observed in 85.89% of the participants. BMI and waist circumference negatively correlated with the level of PA (p=0.001 and p=0.017, respectively). Women exhibiting low levels of PA and higher BMIs showed a significantly lower QoL compared to those with higher PA and lower BMIs, particularly with regard to the physical domains of QoL. Conclusions: Obesity and a low level of PA are associated with a significant decline in the health-related QoL (especially in the PF and PCS domains) of postmenopausal women an urban setting.

Effect of Health-Promoting Lifestyle Modification Education on Knowledge, Attitude, and Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women.

Limited knowledge and negative attitudes about menopause among postmenopausal women (PMW) create a multitude of health-related issues leading to impaired quality of life (QOL) among them. This study evaluated the impact of a health-promoting lifestyle education intervention (HPLEI) on knowledge, attitude, and QOL in a group of PMW in Sri Lanka. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 72 PMW, matched for sociodemographic status of the community from two geographically separated areas in Galle, and they were allocated to intervention (n = 37) and control (n = 35) groups. HPLEI is comprised of health education sessions focused on postmenopausal health management with lifestyle modifications provided only for the intervention group for 8 weeks and follow-up for 6 months. The control group was not given any planned education programme and was allowed to proceed with the usual lifestyle during this period. Knowledge, attitude, menopause-specific QOL (MENQOL), and overall QOL were evaluated in both groups with self-administered questionnaires at the baseline, after 8 weeks of education sessions and at the end of 6 months of follow-up. The mean (SD) ages of the intervention and control groups were 54.6 (4.5) and 56.5 (3.4) (p = 0.06) years, respectively. All evaluated variable scores were not different between the intervention and control groups (p > 0.05) at the baseline. In the intervention group, knowledge (mean ± SD; 21.70 ± 1.05) and attitude (mean ± SD; 44.02 ± 5.33) scores increased at the end (p < 0.001). In the control group, a marginal increase in all dimensions of knowledge scores (mean ± SD; 9.71 ± 2.21) and unchanged attitude scores (mean ± SD; 23.91 ± 7.56) were seen. All MENQOL scores decreased during the follow-up in the intervention group (mean ± SD; 138.51 ± 18.47) (p < 0.001) except the sexual domain (p = 0.32). MENQOL scores were increased in the control group (mean ± SD; 92.05 ± 28.87) (p < 0.001) with time. Overall QOL scores increased (mean ± SD; 74.85 ± 9.71) (p < 0.001) in the intervention group during the study period and in the control group overall QOL (mean ± SD; 51.03 ± 13.61) showed a reduction (p < 0.001) at the end. Health education focused on health-promoting lifestyle modifications was effective in improving knowledge, attitude, MENQOL, and overall QOL of PMW.

A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study about the Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women in Rural Puducherry.

Background:The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of postmenopausal women, in the rural areas of Puducherry and to find the associated factors.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was done in the rural field practicing area of SLIMS, Puducherry. The sample size was 172 based on the previous study, and simple random sampling technique was used. The women who were receiving hormonal treatment, having chronic illness and those who refused to participate were excluded from the study. The sociodemographic information and menopause-specific QOL questionnaire were used, and data were analyzed using the SPSS 21.Results:In this study, mean age of the postmenopausal women was 61 ± 7.5 years, 42.4% belonged to socioeconomic status (SES) Class IV. The prevalence of one or more symptoms of vasomotor, psychological, and sexual domains were 23.8%, 87%, and 68%, respectively. We found an association between SES and both vasomotor and psychological symptoms. Furthermore, age and psychological symptoms were associated.Conclusion:The menopause-related symptoms had a negative effect on the QOL of postmenopausal women. The study can help in creating awareness and also in helping in educating women for early identification of the frequent menopausal symptoms.

Prevalence and Severity of Menopausal Symptoms and the Quality of Life in Middle-aged Women: A Study from Sri Lanka.

Menopausal symptoms and quality of life (QOL) of pre- and postmenopausal women in Sri Lanka have not been studied adequately. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms and the QOL of pre- and postmenopausal women in Galle District, Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a randomly selected sample of premenopausal (n=184) and postmenopausal (n=166) community-dwelling healthy women aged 30-60 years. The mean (SD) ages of pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively, were 46.1(3.7) and 55.8(3.8) years. Menopausal symptoms were evaluated using the menopause rating scale under three subscales: psychological symptoms, somatovegetative symptoms, and urogenital symptoms. The QOL was evaluated using the short form 36 survey under eight domains. Further, sociodemographic status, gynaecologic factors, physical activity pattern (walking, moderate, and vigorous), body mass index, and waist to hip ratio were also evaluated. The prevalence and severity of all the menopausal symptoms were higher among postmenopausal women. In premenopausal women, the most frequently reported menopausal symptoms were mental exhaustion (49.5%), joint and muscular discomforts (48.5%), and irritability (41.3%). Physical and mental exhaustion (53%), irritability (48.2%), depressive mood (43.4%), and hot flushes (42.2%) were the most frequently reported menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. The QOL was significantly impaired among postmenopausal women [mean (SD); 57.47(18.83)] compared to premenopausal women [mean (SD); 66.82(17.93)] (p<0.001). Psychological symptoms score and somatovegetative symptoms score were associated with the QOL of premenopausal women (adjusted R2; 0.35). Somatovegetative symptoms score, psychological symptoms score, moderate and vigorous physical activity scores, and monthly income were associated with the QOL in postmenopausal women (adjusted R2; 0.38). The current study showed that the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms and impaired QOL were significantly higher among postmenopausal women, compared to premenopausal women. Menopausal symptoms mostly contributed to the poorer QOL in both pre- and postmenopausal women.

The impact of genitourinary syndrome of menopause on well-being, functioning, and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) are bothersome to middle-aged and older women, and affect their quality of life (QoL), sexuality, and daily activities. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of vaginal symptoms and GSM on the well-being, functioning, and QoL of postmenopausal women from Spain. This study involved 423 postmenopausal women participating in the GENISSE study (a multicenter, cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study) who presented at least 1 vaginal symptom. All women completed the "day-to-day impact of vaginal aging" (DIVA) questionnaire. Analysis of total scores and subdomains of the questionnaire were performed in women diagnosed with GSM and those without the condition. In these women, the highest mean scores on the DIVA questionnaire were found in the sexual functioning domain long version (mean 1.8; SD 1.0), followed by the sexual functioning domain short version (mean 1.7; SD 1.1), self-perception and body image (mean 1.4; SD 1.1), activities of daily living (mean 0.7; SD 0.8), and emotional well-being (mean 0.7; SD 0.8) scales. A total of 299 women (70.7%) had vaginal symptoms with a diagnosis of GSM, whereas 124 (29.3%) had no GSM diagnosis. Scores on the DIVA questionnaire were significantly higher in women with a diagnosis of GSM than in those without this condition. Vaginal symptoms impact the well-being, functioning, and QoL of postmenopausal women, especially sexual function, self-perception, and body image. This impact is significantly higher in women with GSM. Identifying and treating patients affected by vaginal symptoms and GSM may be beneficial for improving their QoL.

The Short Physical Performance Battery is a discriminative tool for identifying low quality of life in gynecological postmenopausal cancer survivor

Adverse events due to cancer treatment (changes in weight, reduced muscle capacity and mobility) hinder the quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors. Nevertheless, the identification of discriminative predictors of QoL in post-menopausal women (PW) survivors of gynecological cancer (PW-SGC) has been ignored. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of muscle capacity, mobility and body mass index (BMI) on the deterioration of QoL in PW (n = 35; 62.1 ± 8.2 years) and PW-SGC (n = 51; 60.8 ± 11.4 years). Methods: The QoL questionnaire (SF-36), anthropometrical evaluation (BMI), hand-held dynamometry (HHD) and short physical performance battery (SPPB) were applied in all volunteers. Results: The participants had overweight, low SF-36 scores and normal HHD, and no significant differences were found between both groups, however the SPPB score was higher in the PW group (p &lt; 0.001). Linear regression analyses for QoL indicated the BMI (beta = -0.27) and the SPPB (beta = 0.57) were the strongest and most significant predictors in PW and PW-SGC, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) for the SPPB score was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.57-0.87; P = 0.015) in the PW-SGC group and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.47-0.75; P = 0.181) in PW. Conclusion: The present study showed that the importance of BMI and mobility (SPPB) for QoL differ between PW and PW-SGC. For PW-SGC, the strongest independent predictor of QoL was mobility (SPPB), whereas BMI was the strongest contributor in PW. Moreover, the SPPB test is a discriminative predictor (or assessment tool) for identifying the low quality of life in postmenopausal women survivors of gynecological cancer.

Longitudinal Effects of Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy on the Quality of Life of Post-menopausal Women with Non-metastatic ER+ Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BackgroundAnti-estrogen (ER) endocrine therapy is an effective treatment strategy in reducing breast cancer mortality. This therapy has a better therapeutic index than chemotherapy but can still affect patients’ quality of life (QOL) over time.ObjectiveThe objectives of this systematic review were to (1) describe QOL instruments used in ER-positive (ER+) non-metastatic breast cancer trials and (2) document the longitudinal effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy on the QOL of post-menopausal women with ER+ non-metastatic breast cancer.MethodsWe searched three electronic bibliographic databases for articles published from inception to October 2017 that described (1) a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of non-metastatic breast cancer containing an adjuvant endocrine regimen in at least one arm; (2) the use of a patient self-report measure assessing general or breast cancer-specific QOL; and (3) QOL outcomes at multiple time points during follow-up of at least 5 years. All included trials were independently evaluated by two reviewers, and data were extracted using standardized forms.ResultsIn total, 13 studies met our inclusion criteria and were assessed in this review. The quality of the trials was reasonably good. The top three most commonly used QOL instruments in the trials were the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy, the Short Form-36 and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life. Most studies found no differences between tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitor groups in terms of global QOL. QOL data affected treatment regimen recommendations in a few cases. A meta-analysis was not feasible because the RCTs included in our review varied in terms of sample size, comparators, QOL instrument used, and timing of QOL measurement. Additionally, as no search strategy has perfect sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, there is always a chance that potentially relevant articles were missed.ConclusionThis systematic review suggests that the QOL of post-menopausal women is unlikely to be adversely affected by long-term use of adjuvant endocrine therapy. Efforts are needed to improve the quality of QOL reporting in clinical trials.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s41669-018-0070-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Quality of Life and Poor Oral Health: A Comparison of Postmenopausal Women.

Inter-relationships between traditional dental variables are becoming more evident in far reaching aspects of life, such as psychosocial interaction, self-esteem, overall health and even occupational performance. This study compares quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women (PMW) with poor oral health (POH) with QoL in PMW with good oral health. A total of 200 randomly recruited PMW received a dental evaluation and completed the Utian Quality of Life Survey. The participants were divided into POH and healthy groups based on a dental exam. Mean scores were calculated for each QoL item, domain and the overall summary score. For each of the four parameters for periodontitis diagnosis, periodontitis b s patients’ QoL outcomes were compared to those of healthy patients using a T-test with a threshold of significance at p < 0.05. QoL in all fields measured was significantly poorer in the POH patients compared to the healthy patients: occupational score (19.95 ± 5.35 vs. 27.56 ± 6.13), health score (18.02 ± 8.23 vs. 26.59 ± 6.45), emotional score (15.68 ± 10.22 vs. 21.15 ± 9.15), sexual score (6.2 ± 5.98 vs. 10.02 ± 5.35), and total score (60.21 ± 25.85 vs. 84.26 ± 22.35). This study finds that PMW with POH report significantly poorer quality of life. Clinicians caring for PMW should be aware that oral health impacts QoL and make appropriate referral decisions for patients’ dental care.

EVALUATION OF STRESS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

&lt;p&gt;ABSTRACT&lt;br /&gt;Background: Menopause is a stage in life when a woman stops having her monthly period. It is a normal part of aging and marks the end of a woman’s&lt;br /&gt;reproductive years. The age of menopause varies from 45 to 50 years. In some woman, the age of menopause may be 51 or 52 years.&lt;br /&gt;Aim: This study aims to evaluate the stress and its influence on quality of life (QOL) in postmenopausal women in selected areas, Kattankulathur&lt;br /&gt;Block, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.&lt;br /&gt;Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected areas in Kattankulathur Block, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. After initial screening, simple&lt;br /&gt;random sampling technique was adopted to select the study participants. The total sample size comprised 130 postmenopausal women. Assessments&lt;br /&gt;were made by Sheldon Cohen’s, the Perceived Stress Scale for assessing the stress level of postmenopausal women and the World Health Organization&lt;br /&gt;QOL-BREF Scale for assessing their QOL.&lt;br /&gt;Results: This study showed that the majority of postmenopausal women 90 (70.4%) had very high level of stress. Maximum of postmenopausal&lt;br /&gt;women 56 (44%) had very poor QOL, and 59 (46%) were very dissatisfied about their health status. The lower mean scores were found in physical,&lt;br /&gt;psychological, social, and environment domain among postmenopausal women. There was moderate negative correlation found between stress and&lt;br /&gt;QOL among postmenopausal women. It shows that, when the stress was increased, poor QOL was experienced by postmenopausal women.&lt;br /&gt;Conclusion: This study results showed that the majority of postmenopausal women 90 (70.4%) had very high level of stress which negatively affected&lt;br /&gt;the QOL of postmenopausal women.&lt;br /&gt;Keywords: Stress, Quality of life, Postmenopausal women.&lt;/p&gt;