The role of stress and self-efficacy in somatic and psychological symptoms during the climacteric period - Is there a specific association?

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the influence and specificity of sociodemographic and psychological factors on the perception of symptoms associated with menopause.

Study design: Data are based on a nationwide cross-sectional survey study in Germany. A representative sample of 1350 females aged 14-95 years was examined. Sociodemographic factors, perceived stress, and self-efficacy were assessed. Women were divided into three age groups (young women ≤ 44 years; perimenopausal women 45-60 years; older women ≥ 61 years), and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) was used over the entire life span.

Main outcome measures: Total score on the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and hot flushes/sweating assessed via the MRS.

Results: The MRS total score increased with age. Both MRS total score and hot flushes were positively associated with perceived stress in all three age groups. The MRS total score was negatively associated with self-efficacy; for hot flushes, this association could be shown for perimenopausal women only. Furthermore, interaction effects between perceived stress and self-efficacy were found: in perimenopausal and older women, the association between perceived stress and the MRS total score was stronger the lower self-efficacy was. This interaction effect was not observed in younger women. No interaction effect was found in any age group for hot flushes.

Conclusions: Our data indicate that self-efficacy influences the severity of symptoms measured with the MRS. Interventions aimed to reduce stress and strengthen self-efficacy could lead to a lower symptom burden in perimenopausal women.

Keywords: Climacteric period; Menopause transition; Self-efficacy; Stress.