Determination Of Menopausal Symptoms, Sleep Levels, And Quality Of Life
Of Women Who Applied To Menopause School And Self-Examination Of Breasts
And Vulva
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine menopausal symptoms, sleep
levels, quality of life of women in the premenopausal, menopausal, and
postmenopausal period, to increase their knowledge level with training
to be provided, to reduce their menopausal symptoms, to improve quality
of life and sleep quality, and to enable self-examination of breasts and
vulva with training provided. Method: The research was conducted in a
public hospital in Eskişehir. The study had a quasi-experimental design.
The sample of the research consisted of 36 women aged between 40-65
years. These women were asked to complete the Sociodemographic
Characteristics Determination Form, Menopause Rating Scale, Pittsburgh
Sleep Quality Index, and Quality of Life Scale (SF-36) when they applied
to menopause school. After the forms were completed, the participants
were given training. Following training, the scales were re-completed
and then women were enabled to perform self-examination of breasts (SEB)
and self-examination of the vulva (SEV). The IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0
was used for the analysis. Results: The mean age of the women was
50.66±4.45 and that the mean menopause age was 47.60±3.45. The most
frequently described symptom was fatigue (91.7%). It was seen that
after the training, the MRS score of the women decreased from 16.83±8.87
to 13.66±8.36; the PSQI score decreased from 14.34±2.64 to 13.81±2.55;
the mean Quality of Life (SF-36) scale score increased from 48.74±19.13
to 54.92±17.40. As a result of SEB and SEV performed by the women after
the training, it was determined that 5.6% of the women had a breast
deformity, that 8.3% had a palpable mass in the breast and that 13.9%
detected a vaginal discharge in the vulva examination
(p<0.05). Conclusion: It is easier to overcome this period
with specific comprehensive training and women are enabled to cope with
symptoms more effectively.