Physical activity and social support are associated with quality of life in middle-aged women

PurposesThis cross-sectional study assessed the quality of life and related factors of Vietnamese women during perimenopause in terms of vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual aspects. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study on 400 middle-aged women was conducted in Hung Yen, a delta province in Vietnam. Data about socioeconomic characteristics, daily activity patterns, quality of life in terms of vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual aspects, and level of social support were collected. Tobit multivariate regression model was used to identify factors related to the quality of life among participants. ResultsThe symptoms of perimenopause appeared to worsen with the increase of age and the existence of such health issues as migraine and diabetes. Meanwhile, exercises, recreational activities, and social support appeared to alleviate the negative impact of perimenopausal symptoms on women. ConclusionsIt is important to address the care needs of women during perimenopausal age, especially their sexual well-being, and development of specific healthcare services and programs focusing on sport, entertainment, and support for women in perimenopause should be facilitated.

Automated summary

This study assessed the quality of life and related factors of Vietnamese women during perimenopause. It found that health issues worsened the symptoms of perimenopause, while exercise, recreational activities, and social support alleviated the negative impact. Therefore, addressing the care needs of women during perimenopause and developing specific healthcare services and programs for them is important.