Association between Social Support and Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women

With the growing elderly population, addressing the personal and social aspects of menopausal women is vital. Paying attention to their quality of life and solving their physical, mental and social problems can be effective in improving the health of the family and ultimately the society. This study aimed to determine the relationship between social support and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

The present study was a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 158 women. Sampling was stratified with proportional allocation method between February 2019 and August 2019 in Mahshahr health centers. The data collection tools were the demographic profile questionnaire, the Menopause Quality of Life (MENQOL) and the Phillips Social Support Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 24). Pearson's, ANOVA, linear regression tests were used to analyse data.

 The average score of social support and quality of life was 84.13±10.99 (range 34-112) and 58.30±30.69 (range 110-49), respectively. There was a significant correlation between the quality of life and social support (P=0.0001). In terms of quality of life dimensions, a significant relationship was observed between social support with psychosocial (P=0.001) and physical dimension (P=0.003).

According to the significant relationship between social support and quality of life, it seems that providing social support by the family and surrounding people can be effective in improving the quality of life of postmenopausal women.