Symptomatology and quality of life between two populations of climacteric women

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare climacteric symptomatology and sociodemographic conditions and their effect on quality of life in two populations: Monterrey (Mexico) and Madrid (Spain).

METHODS: 469 women from Monterrey (mean age 50.5 + 4.3 years) and 452 (mean age 51.7 + 3.7 years) from Madrid participated in the study. Descriptive analyses of sociodemographic and clinics characteristics of the sample were performed. A cross-sectional design and a regression analysis were performed to establish the sociodemographic and clinical variables that would be used as predictors of quality of life. Data was collected using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life, MENQOL, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Quality of Life Scale for Women Aged From 45 to 64 (QLS), and a sociodemographic and clinical interview designed ad hoc.

RESULTS: Approximately 60% of both Spanish and Mexican women present symptoms during climacteric that impairs their quality of life. Spanish women suffer more intense symptoms and for a longer period of time than Mexican women, with the exception of anxiety. Mexican women report better quality of life than Spanish women and it is moderated by educational, socioeconomical, and marital status. Women's knowledge about menopause is also related to a better quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the differences in climacteric symptomatology between populations and the impact of educational level and knowledge about menopause as predictors of a better quality of life in climacteric women.