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Prevalence of menopausal hot flashes in Lebanon: A cross-sectional study
Ahmadieh, Hala & Jradi, Nadia
Abstract
Background: Menopausal hot flashes or vasomotor symptoms are prevalent and could
be debilitating in postmenopausal women. There is controversy regarding the risk
factors for hot flashes, some of which may vary from one country or culture to another.
Objective: To shed light on this matter by assessing the prevalence of hot flashes,
their effect on quality of life, and their association with certain factors such as physical
exercise, caffeine, spicy food consumption, dietary intake, smoking, alcohol, etc.
Materials and Methods: A large cross-sectional study was conducted among 627
Lebanese women, aged 45-67 yr using a well-developed and comprehensive
questionnaire, in order to better assess the prevalence of hot flashes, focusing on their
characteristics, association with various factors, severity, and effect on the women’s
quality of life.
Results: 62.5% of participants experienced hot flashes. A statistically significant
difference was noted between women who experience hot flashes and their
counterparts with respect to smoking, body mass index, spicy food consumption,
education level, age, menstrual status, and parity. An association was not found with
physical activity or other dietary factors.
Conclusion: As an alternative for hormone therapy, clinicians should consider lifestyle
changes to help manage hot flashes, which impose a tremendous physical and social
toll on the women experiencing them.
Keywords
Menopause; Diet; Body mass index; Quality of life; Smoking.
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