Utilizing the Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire in electronic form for evaluating the quality of life in postmenopausal women

Abstract

The objective of the research study was to assess the possible use of a Czech standardized version of the Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire in electronic form, concerning the quality of women’s life in the period affected by menopause. The quantitative survey was conducted in 2015 on a sample of 364 respondents within the age range from 45 to 60 years with present estrogen deficiency symptoms. The respondents filled in the Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire in their own social environment using an on-line form based on previous education. The data was then subject to statistical evaluation; results were compared with the results of data collected in the form of a printed questionnaire. Most frequently, the respondents reported minor intensity of difficulties or absence of some symptoms. The least distinctive difficulties were encountered by the respondents in urogenital domain. Based on the resulting values of the total score in the partial domains, we can state that the quality of women’s life was only affected by the present estrogen deficiency in a minor extent. The results correspond with those of researches utilizing the form of a printed questionnaire. One of the tasks of the clinical practice and preventive measures in the area of gynaecology and obstetrics is to prepare women to changes related to menopause and to provide them with adequate information. Medical staff must have such an evaluation instrument available that can be used for evaluating potential changes in this period and then help the women adequately. The Menopause Rating Scale is such a tool. The electronic form of this instrument appears to be a suitable form for initiating communication between the client and medical staff and at the same time allows the woman to obtain initial and immediate feedback concerning her perceived problems.