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Socioeconomic Adversities During Life Course and Menopause Onset in a Developing Country

Adama Faye, Christelle Nikiema and Anta Tal-Dia

Background: The age of natural menopause varies considerably between countries and within countries. This variation is related to socio-economic conditions. The objective is to assess the effect of socioeconomic conditions on the age of the natural menopause in postmenopausal women aged 40 to 80 years.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving women aged 40–80 years living in Burkina Faso in 2014. The cluster sampling in two stages has been carried out. The dependent variable was the age at menopause and the independent variables were the current socioeconomic and childhood conditions, the health and nutrition conditions during childhood and the gynaeco-obstetric history. The analysis was performed by a multivariate Cox model.

Results: A total of 600 women aged 40 to 80 years were interviewed. The average age at menopause was 47.10 years (± 4.98). Socio-economic factors associated with menopausal age are: marital status, place of residence and parents’ home status, the education level and the womens transport means. The risk of having a premature menopause is higher in women who cumulate at least four socioeconomic disadvantages (HR=2.67 [1.90, 3.75] 95%) compared to those who do not.

Conclusion: the socio-economic difficulties during childhood and adulthood are linked to the age of natural menopause. It is crucial to raise the level of education, and improve the living conditions of the population.