IMPACT OF MENOPAUSE ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING OF WOMEN IN PAKISTAN
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Keywords
Menopause, Psychological Wellbeing, Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, Stress
Abstract
Background: Menopause is a significant life transition for women that is often associated with various physical and psychological challenges. This study aimed to explore the impact of menopause on the psychological well-being of women in Karachi, Pakistan, focusing on anxiety, depression, and stress levels.
Objective: To assess the relationship between menopausal status and psychological well-being, specifically examining levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among postmenopausal women.
Method: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 184 women aged 45-60 years. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from community centers and clinics. Data were collected using paper-based questionnaires, assessing psychological well-being across three domains: anxiety, depression, and stress. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s correlation and regression analyses, were performed using SPSS to evaluate the relationship between menopausal status and psychological outcomes, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: The study revealed that postmenopausal women exhibited higher levels of anxiety (mean = 14.2 ± 3.1), depression (mean = 13.5 ± 2.8), and stress (mean = 12.0 ± 3.4). Anxiety was the most prevalent psychological issue, with a statistically significant correlation between menopausal status and increased anxiety (r = 0.30, p = 0.005), depression (r = 0.28, p = 0.01), and stress (r = 0.25, p = 0.02). Comparisons between menopausal and non-menopausal women showed significantly elevated anxiety and depression scores among menopausal women.
Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial psychological burden of menopause, particularly in terms of increased anxiety and depression. These findings emphasize the need for targeted mental health interventions to support menopausal women, especially in developing countries where resources may be limited.
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Dr. Khansa Fazil Qazi
MBBS, FCPS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, DHQ Hospital, Nowshera Pakistan
Dr. Asma Iqbal
MBBS, FCPS (Obstetrics / Gynaecology), Senior Registrar, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karachi Metropolitan University, Karachi Pakistan
Dr. Maryam Waqar Panhwar
MBBS, M.Phil. Scholar Anatomy, MCPS (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Diploma (Facial Aesthetics), Diploma (Aesthetic Gynaecology), Demonstrator Department of Anatomy, Khairpur Medical College, Khairpur Mirs Pakistan
Dr. Ahmed Hussain Suhag
MBBs, M. Phil (Physiology), Ph.D. Scholar (Physiology), Professor of Physiology, Mekran Medical College, Turbat Pakistan
Dr. Yasmeen Gul
MBBS FCPS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics/Gynaecology, Teaching Hospital, Kech, Makran Medical College, Turbat Pakistan
Dr Uzma Wahid
MBBS, FCPS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, DHQ Hospital, Nowshera Pakistan
Mir Mehrab Jan Khetran
MBBS (4th Year), Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro Pakistan
Muhammad Salman Masood
MBBS (4th Year), Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro Pakistan
Muhammad Khuram
MBBS (4th Year), Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro Pakistan
Anesh Kumar
MBBS (4th Year), Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro Pakistan