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

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Abstract

Introduction

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).

Methods & Materials

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.

Results

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.

Conclusion

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.

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Acknowledgments

This study has been proved (code: 91203) and funded by Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The author would like to thank Department of Health of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, health centers’ staff and all the participants who shared their time and experience with us.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research center of health effective social factors, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

    Mojgan Mirghafourvand, Sakineh Mohammad-Alizadeh Charandabi, Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi, Nikta Tavananezhad & Mahsa Karkhane

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  1. Mojgan Mirghafourvand
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  2. Sakineh Mohammad-Alizadeh Charandabi
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  3. Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi
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  4. Nikta Tavananezhad
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Correspondence to Mahsa Karkhane.

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Mirghafourvand, M., Charandabi, S.MA., Jafarabadi, M.A. et al. Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Iranian Women of Reproductive Age. Applied Research Quality Life 11, 723–737 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-015-9392-0

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