Determination of the effect of genital self-image of postmenopausal women on quality of sexual life, marital adjustment and life satisfaction

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of genital self-image of women in the postmenopausal period on sexual quality of life, marital adjustment, and life satisfaction. The descriptive study was conducted in the outpatient clinics of Nevşehir State Hospital. A total of 268 women in the postmenopausal period were included in the study. Research data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Data Collection Form, Female Genital Self-Image Scale, Sexual Quality of Life Scale, Marital Adjustment Scale, and Life Satisfaction Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation test, and hierarchical linear regression analysis were used for data analysis. The mean age of the women participating in the research in the postmenopausal period was 54.70 ± 5.22 years. According to the research results; it was found that the mean score of the Female Genital Self-Image Scale was 17.24 ± 3.34; Sexual Quality of Life Scale mean score was 66.26 ± 20.26; Marital Adjustment Scale mean score was 43.47 ± 10.20; Life Satisfaction Scale mean score was 21.04 ± 6.72. According to the research, there was a positive, moderate level relationship between genital self-image of women in the postmenopausal period and sexual quality of life (r=0.512; p=0.001); marital adjustment (r=0.480; p=0.001); and life satisfaction (r=0.422; p=0.001). It was found that genital self-image of women in the postmenopausal period explained 31% of the variance in sexual quality of life (β=0.468, p=0.001); 23% of the variance in marital adjustment (β=0.473, p=0.001); and 24% of the variance in life satisfaction (β=0.450, p=0.001). The research results suggest that genital self-image of women in the postmenopausal period has an undeniable effect on sexual quality of life, marital adjustment, and life satisfaction. Therefore, it is recommended to develop health education and support programs aimed at increasing the levels of genital self-image of women in the postmenopausal period.