Investigation of Pain Coping Methods and Related Factors in Postmenopausal Women

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) reflects of musculoskeletal conditions related to tissues such as tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and other joint structures. If MSP lasts for longer than three months, it becomes chronic. The prevalence of chronic MSP (cMSP) increases with aging and its ratio changes between 35,7% and 49,8%. The previous studies demonstrated the differences in the prevalence of cMSP between men and women. According to most of the studies, older women adults are more vulnerable to experience than men due to some differences in perception of pain such as biological characteristics, their roles in daily life, beliefs or coping strategies with pain.

Oestrogen has a prominent role in the physiology of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. The decline of this sex hormone during menopause transition could lead to MSP, particularly in the postmenopausal period. Indeed, an increasing rate of cMSP in postmenopausal women has been reported.

Coping strategies with pain are used to manage the pain and its impacts. Coping with pain requires the self-regulation of individuals using cognitive and behavioral reactions. Dealing with cMSP is a process that can need the making of changes in daily life and activities This study aimed to compare active and passive coping strategies being used and pain severity in postmenopausal women according to their age, marital status, educational status, and exercise habits. Also, subdomains of strategies and subdomains of pain and the relationship between pain and coping strategies in postmenopausal women with cMSP will be examined.