Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Iranian Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Quality of life, one of the major concerns of health professionals, is the main indicator for measuring health status. The present study aimed to assess the quality of life and its predictors in women of reproductive age in Tabriz (Iran). This cross-sectional study was conducted on 532 married women of reproductive age using a two-stage cluster random sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. It included questions on demographic characteristics, quality of life (SF-36), female sexual function index (FSFI), and ENRICH marital satisfaction. The general linear model in SPSS-13 was used to determine the predictors of quality of life. The mean (standard deviation, SD) score of physical and mental health was 62.2 (17.1) and 60.3 (18.5), respectively (from an attainable score range of 0-100). The highest mean (SD) score [69.5 (25.7)] was obtained for "physical functioning," while the lowest [52.9 (24.4)] was for "role limitations due to emotional problems." There was a significant positive correlation between the quality of life and its sub-domains with sexual function (r = 0.15-0.33) and marital satisfaction (r = 0.15 to 0.49). Higher sexual function and marital satisfaction, higher educational level, and no prior history of depression were predictors of physical and mental components of health-related quality of life. Physical and mental components of quality of life among women were moderate. Relieving sexual problems and dysfunction and improving marital satisfaction may improve women's quality of life and help to achieve a strong family life.