Perceptions of ageing and quality of life among menopausal women: A mixed-methods study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate subjective perceptions of ageing and quality of life among menopausal women, a quantitative approach and a qualitative approach were combined, with the aim of identifying patterns of beliefs, attitudes and experiences pertaining to this vital life stage. Study design: This study featured a mixed-methods approach. A total of 332 menopausal women participated in the quantitative phase of this research, and the Cervantes scale was used to evaluate their health-related quality of life (HRQoL), including in terms of the ageing subdimension. Subsequently, in the qualitative phase, semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 of these participants with the aim of exploring their experiences with and perceptions of ageing during menopause. In addition, sociodemographic information was collected from the participants, as were data pertaining to related variables, such as their levels of education, physical activity and quality of sleep, which could influence their perceptions and general well-being. Results: Regular physical exercise (F(3,328) = 4.352; p = .005) and higher educational level (r = 0.135; p = .014) were associated with better quality of life and more positive perceptions of ageing. The qualitative phase identified three major themes: a perceived sense of deterioration, changes in body image, and differing attitudes of acceptance or resistance. While some women described feelings of premature ageing and loss of identity, others viewed menopause as a stage of self-rediscovery and empowerment. Conclusion: HRQoL among menopausal women is complex and influenced by multiple factors; similarly, perceptions of ageing vary according to the individual context faced by each woman.