Predictors of Menopausal Symptoms Severity among Women in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Many factors affect the way women perceive menopausal symptoms but these factors have not been adequately studied in our locality. The aim of this study was to identify clinical, psychological, social and demographic factors that predict menopausal symptoms severity among women in Ilorin, Nigeria. Three hundred and eighty-five women between the ages 40 and 55years who had been amenorrheic naturally for at least 12 months were randomly interviewed with standardized questionnaires containing, socio-demographic data, medical history, gynaecological history and psychosocial evaluation. Their menopause symptom severity was assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Correlation between MRS scores and numeric variables were tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficients while chi square statistics was used to test association between categorical variables and severe menopause. Regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors. Joint pain was the most severe symptom perceived followed by low libido and hot flushes. The mean total MRS Score was 14.02 showing a generally mild perception. While 15.1% were categorized as “asymptomatic”, 40% had severe symptoms while the others had mild to moderate symptoms. Menopause severity was strongly associated positively with age, negatively with psychosocial factors such as childhood experience, family support, societal support, health care, food, transportation among others. Socio-economic status, educational status and presence of co-morbid conditions like diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure as well as use of contraceptives also had significant impact. However, the only independent predictors were old age and lack of social support

Keywords:     Menopausal symptoms, Women, Predictors, Severity, Nigeria