Quality of life at peri- and postmenopause: analysis of the results from app “Mi Menopausia”

Abstract

Objective: To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Spanish peri- and postmenopausal women using the Cervantes Short Form (SF) scale, and the factors associated with its variations.

Study design: A total of 7103 peri- and postmenopausal women were registered with the app "Mi Menopausia" from June 2021 to June 2024. This app is designed specifically for peri- and postmenopausal women. It measures HRQOL using the Cervantes SF scale (higher scores indicate lower HRQOL). Data collected included demographic information, lifestyle details, menopause symptoms, treatments for symptom relief, and personal medical history.

Results: Of the 6833 women included in the final analysis, 47.9 % were peri- and 52.1 % postmenopausal. The overall Cervantes SF score was 40.1 ± 16.8 and was associated in multivariant analysis with age (B: -0.29, 95 % confidence interval (CI): -0.36 to -0.21), obesity (B: 1.68; 95CI: 0.44 to 2.93), postmenopausal status (B: 1.11; 95CI: 0.22 to 2.0), education level (B: -1.05; 95CI: -1.91 to -0.19), having a partner (B: -2.76; 95CI: -4.03 to -1.49), sexual intercourse (B: -8.25; 95CI: -9.81 to -6.69), no sexual activity (B: 5.86; 95CI: 3.91 to 7.81), diagnosis of depression (B: 8.34; 95CI: 7.34 to 9.35), having undergone hysterectomy (B: 0.51; 95CI: 0.10 to 3.64) and oophorectomy (B: 0.90; 95CI: 0.10 to 3.64) and having experienced bone fractures (B: 0.71; 95CI: 0.12 to 2.90).

Conclusion: The HRQOL of peri- and postmenopausal Spanish women is complex but improvable and is associated with various factors, particularly related to sexual activity and a diagnosis of depression or anxiety.