Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women in Urban and Rural Communities

OBJECTIVES: Menopause is a transitional time in a woman's life leading to both physical and emotional challenges which affects the quality of life (QOL). Average age of menopause is around 48 years but it strikes Indian women at the age of 40 to 45 years. So, menopausal health demands higher priority in Indian as well as global scenario. The present study was conducted to compare the QOL of postmenopausal women residing in urban and rural communities. METHODS: The study adopted quantitative research approach with comparative survey design. The samples were 100 postmenopausal women from rural urban communities selected using non probability purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by interview using demographic performa and menopause specific QOL. RESULTS: The mean QOL score (X(2) = 27.24) of rural women was higher than the mean QOL score (X(1) = 26.34) of urban women. The calculated independent ‘t’ value (t = 0.86; P < 0.05) is lesser than the table value (t(98) = 1.980). There was association between QOL of urban postmenopausal women and monthly income of the family (χ(2) = 4.023) was statistically significant at 0.05 levels. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the QOL of postmenopausal women in rural and urban areas. Indian women are ignorant about the changes taking place in their reproductive system. Religion and culture of our society also inhibits to express these changes. Health care professionals have a great role in addressing these issues to prepare women to face the challenges of reproductive health.