An assessment of QOL and its determining factors of post menopausal women in a rural area of West Bengal, India: A multivariate analysis

Objective: The aim was to assess QOL and its determining factors among postmenopausal women of a rural area of West-Bengal in India.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 315 postmenopausal women and the data were collected using the modified menopause quality of life questionnaire of Hilditch.(Hilditch MENQOL).Results: Out of the 315 women who have been interviewed 243 (77%) had poor quality of life.Multivariate analysis revealed that poor QOL was more among those who did not live with their own children [AOR (95% C.I.) 4.26 (2.1-8.6)], did not undertake regular exercise, [AOR (95% C.I.) 2.88 (1.38-6.03)],were literate [AOR (95% C.I.) 2.5 (1.13-4.8)],were monetarily dependent on their children [AOR (95% C.I.) 2.5 (1.32-4.88)],not living under one roof with children [AOR (95% C.I.) 4.26 (2.1-8.6)] and had attained menopause >5 years.[AOR (95% C.I.) 4.82 (2.47-9.41)].Conclusion: Different stakeholders are required to mobilize the post-menopausal women through IEC activities to cope up with the stress of the post-menopausal phase and acquire a better quality of life beyond their reproductive age.