INFLUENCE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF MENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN THE KUMASI METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT The study sought to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and quality of life, and the moderating role of marital status, educational level and age among menopausal women in the Kumasi Metropolis. The Descriptive survey design with a sample size of 260 respondents were selected through the multistage sampling procedure. Questionnaires were used and data was generally analyzed using Frequencies and Percentages, Mean and Standard Deviation and Multivariate Regression. Also Process approach for testing moderation was employed. Analyses of results revealed that, hot flushes, accomplishing less, decrease in stamina for rigorous activity and insufficient vaginal secretion during intercourse were the most common menopausal symptom of vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual respectively. Again, menopausal women experienced a high severity of symptoms indicating a low quality of life. In addition, majority of middle aged women had a low emotional intelligence level. Further, no relationship was found between emotional intelligence and quality of life. Also, marital status and educational level did not moderate the relationship between emotional intelligence and quality of life. The study however, found age to moderate the relationship between emotional intelligence and quality of life. Based on the findings it is recommended that, policy makers should endeavor to put in measures help improve emotional intelligence of women and to educate women on menopause and its associated symptoms and also provide opportunities for support to help women cope better with the menopause transition.