Life satisfaction and health-related quality of life (SF-36) of middle-aged men and women

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate life satisfaction and health-related quality of life (SF-36) in a general population sample of middle-aged women and men. The effects of menopausal status and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use upon life satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HrQOL) were also examined for the female sample. DESIGN: All men and women aged 49-55 years from the age/sex register of a large general practice in London were contacted and asked to complete a questionnaire about their health. SUBJECTS: A total of 103 women (55%) and 86 men (40%) participated; of the women, 15% were premenopausal, 68% peri- or postmenopausal and 17% taking HRT. RESULTS: Women and men reported similar levels of HrQOL, life satisfaction and general health, although women reported more physical problems (SF-36). The significant predictors of HrQOL were serious illness, employment and marital status, but HRT use and menopausal status were not significantly associated with life satisfaction nor HrQOL (for women). CONCLUSIONS: Gender differences in health and HrQOL may be less apparent during mid-life, although there were some subtle differences between men and women in reported health concerns and reasons given for (dis)satisfaction with their lives.