Investigating the prevalence of menopausal complications and its related factors in women referred to Shahroud Health Centers in 2014

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Epidemiological studies have shown that 65-85% of women experience menopausal complications. These complications can cause illness and disability, and decrease women’s quality of life and endanger the health of the family and society. Therefore, it is important to address menopause and prevent and treat menopausal complications. The aim of this research was to investigate the most common menopausal complications and related factors in Shahroud. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 350 women referred to Shahrood health centers in 2014. A questionnaire including demographic variables, age and duration of menopause, weight, and body mass index (BMI) was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests through SPSS software. Results: According to the results, 79.1% of patients had psychological complications, 61.1% had skin complications, 51.7% of them had urogenital complications, 70.9% had cardiac complications, 54% had musculoskeletal complications, and 82.6% had hot flashes. Hot flashes (82.6%) and psychological complications especially hopelessness (82.57%) and depression (80.28%) were the most common menopausal complications. Conclusion: According to the results, although menopause is a physiological process, the changes that occur in a woman during this period have a negative effect on her temperament and cause depression and anxiety; for decreasing the rate of depression and increasing quality of life, adaptation is needed. Moreover, adequate awareness should be given.