Menopausal symptoms: is spirituality associated with the severity of symptoms?

J Relig Health. 2014 Aug;53(4):1013-24. doi: 10.1007/s10943-013-9696-z.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore whether spirituality was associated with menopausal symptoms. Menopausal symptoms, spirituality, health and menopausal status, and socio-demographic variables were assessed in a community sample of 710 peri- and postmenopausal women. A structural model was explored using structural equation modeling. The results evidence spirituality as a significant contributor regarding the severity of most menopausal symptoms. Among others, spirituality had a significant weight in depressive mood (β = -.414; p < .001), anxiety (β = -.308; p < .001), cognitive impairment (β = -.287; p < .001), aches/pain (β = -.148; p < .001), vasomotor (β = -.125; p = .005) and sexual symptoms (β = -.211; p < .001). Some socio-demographic variables, as well as perceived health, also predicted the menopausal symptoms' severity. Therefore, spirituality can have a positive impact on the menopausal symptoms' reporting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Menopause / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Spirituality*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires