Quality of Life of the Post-Menopausal Women: A Study among the Bengalee Middle Class Women in Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Introduction: Menopause brings about the transition in a woman’s life leading to changes in both the physical and psychological aspects affecting the quality of life (QOL). The average age of attainment of menopause is around 48 years. In India, women attain menopause at an average age of 45 to 50 years. Hence menopausal health demands attention in India. Aim: This study aims to study the QOL of menopausal women in Kolkata. Materials: The present study was conducted among 285 women residing in Middle Income Group of Kalindi Housing Estate, Kolkata. A quantitative approach was adapted with cross-sectional survey design. Data was collected by interview using demographic questionnaire specific on QOL during menopause.QOL was assessed in four domains of Vasomotor Psychosocial Physical and Sexual. Cervantes Scale (BEN/CS) was assessed adapting the Bengali version. Pearson’s correlation was used for evaluation of BEN/CS with WHQ and WHOQoL-bref. Results: The mean age of women in this study was 46.7 + 0.46 years. CS was observed to be greater than0.7. Presence of vasomotor symptoms and lack of physical activity were associated with lower QOL. Sexuality and couple relationship however did not show any association to QOL. Discussion: There is paucity of works on QOL in menopausal women from India. Addressing the issues of menopausal women in India is the need of time. There is ample scope to improve the QOL in Indian menopausal women through health education on the symptoms of menopause, its treatment by modifications in their present lifestyle, asking them to avoid sedentary lifestyle and encouraging them for mild exercises and the like. Conclusion: Health care professionals have a great role in addressing these issues to prepare women to face the challenges of reproductive health in India.