Experiences of Midlife Women and Related Co-Morbidity Issues During Menopausal Transition in Delta State, Nigeria

摘要

Naturally, midlife women transit from reproductive to non-reproductive stage of life. This transition period of life is often accompanied with gradual decline in ovarian function and it is marked with physical, psychosocial, mental and sexual changes which could last for several years. This study examined the changes of menopausal transition and their related co-morbidity issues among Delta State women. Methodology: 405 sample size midlife women were selected to participate in this study using the W.G. Cochran formula with level of statistical significance set at 0.05. The study adopted a cross-sectional design that employed a mixed method approach. A modified MENQOL questionnaire was used to generate quantitative data and a self developed semi–structured interview guide to generate qualitative data. Reliability and validity of the instruments were tested in relation to the study through a pilot study. However, internal consistency of reliability of the MENQOL instrument subscales was checked using a Cronbach alpha test with a result of 0.832. Generated quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics while Qualitative data obtained using a tape recorder were transcribed, reported verbatim and analyzed using content analysis and triangulation methods. Hypothesis tested using multiple regression. Results: This study revealed that, vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and profuse sweating were frequently reported. Other findings reported were physical symptoms (decreased stamina and weight gain); sexual symptoms (altered sexual desire and dryness of the vagina) and psychosocial symptoms (poor memory and less work accompliment). Reported related co-morbidity issues include; hypertension, chest pain, broken bone (fracture), diabetes, arthritis, bone weakness (osteroporosis) and occasional malaria and typhoid fever. Conclusion: This study concluded that women in their post menopausal age experienced most of the transitional symptoms. Those who understood the transitional changes to be medically related condition rated the symptoms more significantly negative than those who viewed the symptoms as normal and gradual ageing process. Bone weakness and broken bone had strong relationship with the women’s health and general well-being.