Search resultsModerate alcohol consumption contributes to women's well-being through the menopausal transition
Title
Moderate alcohol consumption contributes to women's well-being through the menopausal transition
Publication type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2007
Authors
Journal
Climacteric
Volume
10
Issue
6
Pagination
491 - 499
Date published
2007
ISBN
13697137 (ISSN)
Keywords
Adult, alcohol, alcohol consumption, Alcohol Drinking, article, Australia, Ethanol, Exercise, Female, human, Humans, Life Style, lifestyle, Longitudinal Studies, menopause, Middle Aged, Perimenopause, priority journal, quality of life, Questionnaires, Research Design, self concept, Self-rated Health, Socioeconomic Factors, statistical analysis, Well-being, wellbeing, women's health
Abstract
Objectives: To examine the association of alcohol consumption with well-being in mid-aged Australian women, taking into account other lifestyle factors. Methods: A prospective, observational study was carried out among 438 urban Australian women aged 45-55 years at baseline. They were assessed annually for 8 years using a questionnaire on health and lifestyle, including self-ratings of well-being and daily 'hassles'. Statistical analyses were performed using cluster and repeated measures analyses. Results: About 80% of the women had consumed alcohol in the week preceding the interview. Alcohol intake was weakly associated with well-being overall (p = 0.094). Women who consumed alcohol at moderate levels had higher well-being scores than non-drinkers or heavy drinkers, however, provided they were also non-smokers and exercised weekly or more (p for interaction = 0.023) (21% of all study participants). Everyday symptoms and stresses had a negative impact on well-being (all p values < 0.001). Conclusions: Among women undergoing menopausal transition, well-being is positively associated with moderate alcohol consumption along with other lifestyle factors in a synergistic fashion, rather than any individual factor having a dominant or an independent effect.