A survey of the quality of life during perimenopause in Filipino women: A community-based study in Paete, Laguna

• Published in: Philippine journal of obstetrics & gynecology Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 145 - 150
• Main Authors: Opulencia-Banayo, Romina Jo, Habana, Maria Antonia E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2024
• ISSN: 0116-6069; 2772-9567
• DOI: 10.4103/pjog.pjog_19_24

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence of menopausal symptoms among Filipino perimenopausal women aged 43–48 years in a rural community setting. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a rural community. A self-administered, validated Women’s Health Questionnaire, Filipino version, was given to 232 women aged 43–48 years. Data were analyzed using STATA 16.1/IC. RESULTS: Nearly 32% of respondents reported a negative impact of symptoms on their quality of life (QOL). The highest was seen in the physical/somatic (PS) domain followed by the vasomotor/menstrual and emotional/anxiety domains. Overall, majority of the scores reflect a good QOL. CONCLUSION: Filipino women in the rural community remain to have good QOL despite experiencing menopausal symptoms. A minority experience symptoms that negatively influence their QOL and most of these were in the physical/somatic domain. Education regarding awareness, treatment options, and expectations during perimenopause is important. Timely intervention can continue to improve the QOL of these women.