Impaired quality of life and its determinants among postmenopausal women of slum communities in Bhubaneswar, India

Background: The severity of menopausal symptoms negatively impacts a woman's quality of life (QoL). Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of menopause-related impaired QoL and determine its associated factors among postmenopausal women living in slum areas of Bhubaneswar, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 198 postmenopausal women aged 45-65 years during the year 2016-2017. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) was used to assess the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms. Results: Joint and muscular discomfort was the most prevalent moderate-to-severe symptom (90.4%), followed by hot flushes (72.8%), irritability (67.2%), and physical and mental exhaustion (64.2%). More than two-third (133, 67.2%) of women had impaired QoL (severe total MRS score ≥17). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that impaired QoL was associated younger age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.12-9.98), tobacco consumption (AOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.05-3.82), not being satisfied in relation with husband (AOR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.84-6.06), not having autonomy in health-care decision-making in the family (AOR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.12-4.73), history of reproductive tract infection (AOR: 4.57, 95% CI: 1.71-12.19), and earlier onset of menopause (AOR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.18-8.96). Conclusion: The point prevalence of menopause-related impaired QOL in postmenopausal women living in slums of Bhubaneswar was high. Incorporating these determinants in the existing strategies can be useful to improve the QoL of these women.