The Association between Sexual Self-Efficacy and the Quality of Life among Menopausal Women

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to determine the association between sexual self-efficacy (SSE) and quality of life (QOL) among menopausal women. METHODS: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 558 menopausal women were enrolled. Consecutive and available sampling was performed for the sample collection. The instruments used for data collection included a three-part questionnaire consisting of demographic information, Menopausal-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), and SSE questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, the maximum and minimum scores of SSE were related to sexual desire (2.88 ± 0.60) and orgasm (0.85 ± 0.17). The highest and lowest scores of QOL were related to psychosocial (4.14 ± 1.24) and sexual activity (3.03 ± 1.74) domains. A significant correlation was observed between the QOL and the domains of SSE (P < 0.001). The maximum and minimum correlation of QOL were related to sexual desire (P < 0.001, r = 0.030) and orgasm (P < 0.001, r = 0.108), respectively. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between the SSE score and all domains of QOL except for the vasomotor domain. With regard to the SSE score, the maximum association was found with the sexual activity score (P < 0.001, r = 0.466). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study, a significant direct correlation was observed between the QOL and SSE of menopausal women. Thus, further research and developing education and consultation as intervention programs for enhancing SSE can promote the QOL among women.