Rural residence and health-related quality of life in a sample of Spain perimenopausal women.

Background: The prevalence and severity of perimenopausal symptoms are typically associated with multiple factors, including demographic characteristics. The sociodemographic characteristics of women living in rural areas differ from those residing in urban areas, and it has been suggested that these differences could potentially influence the prevalence of symptoms experienced during perimenopause.

Objectives: To evaluate if perimenopausal women living in Spanish rural areas have a higher prevalence of perimenopausal symptoms and assess their influence on health-related quality of life.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 270 perimenopausal women residing in rural and urban areas. The participants completed the Cervantes Scale Short Version and Beck Depression Inventory 2.

Results: Perimenopausal women in rural areas reported a higher incidence of perimenopausal symptoms and a lower perception of health-related quality of life compared to those in urban areas, as evidenced by higher scores on the total Cervantes Scale Short Version scale (33.2 (±16.2) vs. 26.4 (±18.1),  = .001). No differences in the Beck Depression Inventory 2 score were detected.

Conclusions: Perimenopausal women residing in rural areas of Spain reported a higher prevalence of perimenopausal symptoms and experienced a poorer Health-Related Quality of Life compared to those living in urban areas of Spain.