Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran;
2
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran;
3
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran;
4
Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, Reproductive Health and Population Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
10.30476/ijcbnm.2025.103010.2529
Abstract
Background: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) refers to signs and symptoms caused
by estrogen deficiency in the genitourinary system. Given the importance of GSM in women’s health
during menopause, the present study was designed to determine its prevalence and predict factors for
postmenopausal women in Gonabad City.
Methods: This cross-sectional-analytical study was conducted on 455 postmenopausal women (45-75
years old) referring to three Comprehensive Health Service Centers in Gonabad City, Iran, from
September 2021 to July 2022. A stratified random sampling method was applied. Demographic and
reproductive questionnaire, urogenital complaints checklist, the Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging
(DIVA) questionnaire, and vaginal examination were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using
the SPSS software version 16.0 using descriptive statistics and independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test,
chi-square test, and logistic regression models at the significance level of P<0.05.
Results: Of the 455 participants, 238 (52.3%) had GSM. The most common complaints among
the participants were urinary incontinence, which was present in 179 (39.34%) participants, and
dyspareunia, which was present in 94 (20.66%) participants. Women in the GSM group reported a
higher prevalence of dysuria, urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence, as well as dyspareunia,
postcoital bleeding, vaginal dryness, vulvar irritation, and vulvar burning or itching compared to the
non-GSM group (P<0.001). Age (P=0.025), gravida (P=0.018), and urinary problems (P<0.001) were
predictive factors for GSM.
Conclusions: The prevalence of GSM was remarkable in postmenopausal women in Gonabad.
Identifying age, gravida, and urinary problems as key predictors of GSM highlights the importance of
early screening and tailored management strategies for at-risk populations.
Keywords
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