Women in the 45-59 age group health status and quality of life assessment, living semi-urban area in İzmir

ObjectiveThe research was conducted to assess the health status and quality of life, of the women between 45-59 age group and to identify factors that affect their quality of life.MethodThis is a Cross-sectional and analytical research . Research group is consisted of 68.03% of the 269 women at 45-59 age group, that was reached (N=183) . To Evaluate quality of life World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Short Form (WHQOL-BREF) were used and a questionnaire that determine the socio-demographic, socio-economic, reproductive characteristics and health status, menopausal symptoms, life habits and health behaviors was administered (the user information questionnaire). Descriptive data were presented as numbers, percentages and mean values ( with standard deviation) in the form. In analyzing, t test, chi-square, One-Way ANOVA, multiple regression analysis were used.ResultsThe average age of the study group was 50.7 ± 4.7. 42.6% of the women who participated in the study, had at least one chronic disease, and 44.8% of women were using drugs regularly. Physical and social ?quality of life? scores were significantly higher in the 45-49 age group (respectively, p=0.001 and p=0.004). The group who had an education level, equal or lower than primary school, had significantly low mental and social ?life quality? scores (respectively, p=0.002 and p=0.002). In the presence of chronic disease, Physical ?quality of life? scores were significantly lower (p=0.017). ?Quality of life? of those who use drugs regularly, Physical mental, social and environmental ?quality of life? scores were significantly lower (p = 0.000, p = 0.001, p=0.002 and p=0.014). The group of patients who had hot flash discomfort of menapausal complaints had significantly lower mental ?quality of life? scores (p=0.038). The quality of life scores of the group who had night sweat complaints, were significantly lower than the group who had no Physical mental and environmental complaints (p=0.032, p=0.039 and p=0.016). Those with vaginal dryness discomfort, the quality of life in physical, emotional, social and environmental fields, the mean scores were significantly lower (p=0.000, p=0.016, p=0.006 and p=0.002). Quality of life of those with any urinary complaints, had significantly lower physical, mental, social and environmental area mean scores (p=0.000, p=0.002, p=0.001 and p=0.006).ConclusionThis research shows that, education, regular income, the presence of social security, chronic diseases, regular drug usage and existance of menopausal complaints effect the quality of life of the women between the age 45 and 59.Key words: Women?s health, quality of life, menopause, WOQOL-BREF