The relationship between spousal support and quality of life in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

<bold>OBJECTIVE:</bold> In today's world, with the prolongation of human life span, a significant part of women's lives is spent in the menopausal period. Factors that negatively affect the health and quality of life of women experiencing this process constitute an important problem in terms of women's health. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between spousal support and quality of life among menopausal women. <bold>METHODS:</bold> The cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 women aged 45-65 years, who were in menopausal period and volunteered to participate in the study, registered in four family health centers located in eastern T & uuml;rkye. The data were collected using the "Personal Information Form," "Menopause Spousal Support Questionnaire," and "Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire." <bold>RESULTS:</bold> The mean total score of the women on the spousal support questionnaire was 116.39 +/- 17.88. In the subdimensions, the highest score belonged to valuing support (41.35 +/- 7.21) and the lowest score belonged to sexual intimacy support (21.52 +/- 3.91). Quality of life questionnaire subfield mean scores were as follows: vasomotor 5.43 +/- 3.24, psychosocial 10.83 +/- 5.23, physical 17.84 +/- 13.03, and sexual 2.02 +/- 3.16. Spousal support and quality of life levels differed significantly according to demographic characteristics (p<0.05). <bold>CONCLUSION:</bold> Increased support from husbands decreases menopause-related complaints and improves quality of life. On the other hand, smoking, irregular exercise, not receiving hormone therapy, and a lack of information increase complaints. The results show that spousal support and healthy living habits are determinants of quality of life during menopause.