Quality of life and the associated factors among postmenopausal women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of postmenopausal women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand and the associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a validated Thai version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to assess QOL was conducted. Results: A total of 453 postmenopausal women participated in the study, with a median age of 58 years (ranging from 41 to 65). These women, residing in urban areas of Thailand such as Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon, completed a survey questionnaire with the assistance of health volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic, between October 2021 and April 2022. The study revealed that 55.85% of participants reported experiencing poor quality of life (QOL) during the pandemic. Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified several significant associations with QOL. Factors linked to a poorer QOL included lower levels of well-being index (odds ratio [OR] 7.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.16–19.75, P < 0.01), reduced physical activity (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.62–4.54, P < 0.01), and the severity of menopausal symptoms (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.42–2.66, P < 0.01). Conversely, higher education (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.10–0.75, P < 0.01), an earlier onset of menopause (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.39–0.78, P < 0.01), and occasional social alcohol consumption (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33–0.94, P = 0.03) were identified as protective factors for QOL. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive menopausal care, addressing both physical and mental well-being, and providing specific care for menopausal symptoms during challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.