Study of Factors Associated with the Age of Natural Menopause in Menopausal Women Aged 30 to 80 Years from the Keur Massar Health District in 2015 (Senegal)

Abstract

Introduction: Menopause is a biological phenomenon that occurs at a more or less early or late age in the life of every woman. The general objective is to study the factors associated with the age of natural menopause in menopausal women aged between 30 and 80 years who have gone through down Keur Massar health district in 2015. Methodology: This was an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted in Keur Massar health district from December 1 st to 10 th , 2015. Two-stage cluster sampling was conducted. Data were collected during an individual interview at home after consent. They covered socio-economic conditions, health and nutrition status, gynecological-obstetrical history, and lifestyle. A multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox model with a 5% risk of alpha error. Results: A total of 627 postmenopausal women were surveyed. Mean age of these women was 54.5 years (±8.6 years). A proportion of 72.1% of the women was married and 46.7% was in school. Mean age of natural menopause was 47.1 years (±5.03 years). The median age of natural menopause was 47 years. Factors associated with the age of natural menopause were high parity of more than 4 children (Hra = 0.35 [0.13 - 0.92]), the existence of frequent childhood illnesses (Hra = 1.72 [1.13 - 2.64]), use of the intra-uterine device—IUD—as a modern contraceptive method (HRa = 0.39 [0.24 - 0.63]), sibling size (HRa = 0.85 [0.78 - 0.93]), family size (HRa = 1.03 [1.01 - 1.06]), and polygamy regime (HRa = 0.56 [0.37 - 0.85]). Conclusion: Many factors in childhood as well as during the period of female genital activity can impact the age of natural menopause. It is then important to improve the health status of women, children and the standard of living of the population.