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A recent cross-sectional study conducted in Spain reveals that women living in rural areas experience more pronounced symptoms during the perimenopausal period and have a poorer health-related quality of life compared to their urban counterparts. The study, led by Cristina Llaneza Suárez, a specialist in family and community medicine, underscores the challenges rural women face due to limited access to healthcare, employment, transportation, and increased caregiving responsibilities.
Barriers to Healthcare and Quality of Life
The study, which involved 270 women aged 45-55 from eight autonomous communities in Spain, was conducted between December 2019 and April 2023. Researchers aimed to explore how sociodemographic factors influence perimenopausal symptoms and quality of life. The findings revealed that women in rural areas reported a higher prevalence of common perimenopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, which were reported by 80% of rural participants, compared to 70% overall.
“Women in rural areas face significant barriers that can exacerbate the challenges of perimenopause,” said Llaneza. “These barriers, such as inadequate access to healthcare services, limited transportation options, and a heavier caregiving burden, contribute to a poorer health-related quality of life during this crucial stage.”
Despite the increased prevalence of symptoms, the study found no significant difference in depressive symptoms between rural and urban women, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory. However, Llaneza noted that the overall quality of life, particularly in terms of physical health, was notably lower in rural women.
Role of Rural Physicians
The study also highlighted the critical role that rural physicians play in managing perimenopausal symptoms. Llaneza pointed out that rural primary care physicians often have fewer patients, allowing for more thorough management and closer monitoring of perimenopausal conditions. However, she emphasized that many rural women face delays in treatment due to limited healthcare access and a lack of health education in rural communities.
“Many women in rural areas are unaware of the symptoms of perimenopause and the available treatments, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment,” Llaneza said. She added that the lack of regular public transportation and the dependency on others for access to healthcare further complicates the situation.
Call for Improved Training and Research
Llaneza and her research team have called for additional training for rural primary care physicians on perimenopause and menopause, with a focus on prevention, management, and improving access to care. They also advocated for further research into new therapies for controlling perimenopausal symptoms, particularly in rural populations.
“We believe that our findings could be valuable for healthcare authorities looking to address the unique challenges faced by rural women,” Llaneza stated. “There is an urgent need for targeted interventions to improve the quality of life for women in these areas.”
The study underscores the importance of raising awareness about perimenopausal symptoms and ensuring that rural women have access to the necessary healthcare resources. By addressing these challenges, healthcare providers can help improve the overall well-being of women during this critical stage of life.
Llaneza disclosed that she has no relevant financial relationships related to the study.
