This study was to investigate the factors influencing quality of life and difference of quality of life in a postmenopausal group compared to premenopausal women.

The subjects consisted of 213 women from 40 to 64 years old. The data were collected from June 1, 2003 to June 31, 2004 using structured questionnaires which included questions relating to demographic and obstetric background and 4 scales(climacteric symptoms scale, marital satisfaction scale, sex-role attitude scale, quality of life scale).

Comparing pre- and postmenopausal women, significant statistical differences were demonstrated in climacteric symptoms and sex-role attitude. However, quality of life was not different between pre- and postmenopausal women. In premenopausal women, marital satisfaction(32.7%) and educational level(8.0%) were significant predictors to explain quality of life. Marital satisfaction(12.9%) was significant predictor to explain quality of life in postmenopausal women.

No difference of quality in life between pre- and postmenopausal women provides information for changing traditional approaches of menopause according to physiological changes as illness. In addition the study showed that it is necessary to use marital satisfaction information when developing nursing interventions to promote the quality of life.