title: The Relationship between Physical Activity and General Health among Menopausal Women in Ahvaz, Iran.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Most women experience significant changes in their general health status during menopause, which negatively affects their quality of life. Physical activity has also been shown to enhance quality of life. However, little is known about the effect of physical activity on women's health during the menopausal transition. This study aimed to determine the relationship between physical activity and general health among menopausal women in Ahvaz, Iran.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross sectional study was carried out on 600 menopausal women using cluster random sampling during 2013-2014. Data collection tools were three questionnaires; women's demographic characteristics, the Goldenberg's questionnaire, and International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS version 19. The statistical tests were performed at the 95% confidence interval.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant relationship between the total score of physical activity and physical health, social functioning, anxiety and depression (p<0.05), but no significant relationship was found between subscales related to physical activity and general health (p>0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Physical activity is effective in improving general health in menopausal women. Proper training and effective interventions for regular physical activity can be important steps to promote the general health of menopausal women.
authors.affiliation: M.Sc. of Midwifery, Menopause Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Nasibeh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sharifi
authors.affiliation: M.Sc. of Midwifery, Menopause Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Lida
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jalili
authors.affiliation: M.Sc. of Midwifery, Pregnancy Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
authors.forename: Somayeh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khazaeian
authors.affiliation: M.Sc. of Midwifery, Faculty Member, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Islamic Azad University of Karaj, Karaj, Iran.
authors.forename: Anvar-Sadat Nayebi
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Nia
keywords: General health; Menopause; Physical activity; Women