RESUMO
Analytical and descriptive study aimed to determine the climacteric age and the variables associated with the timing of natural menopause among 410 healthy women aged 40-60 years who selected in a systematic random from 50 clusters in Baghdad city during the period from 1[st] of September 2000 to the 31[st] of July 2001. Data were collected through the utilization interviewing technique and the use of constructed interview format. Descriptive statistical analysis [frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation], and inferential statistical analysis [correlation, t-test, F-test, and multiple regression] were used as statistical approaches for data analysis. Level of significant was < 0.05. The finding revealed that the mean age of natural menopause for the study group was 49.4 +/- 3.2 years. The older age of natural menopause was 58yrs and the youngest was 41years. Late menopause occurred in women who were: older age at first live full term pregnancy, negative history of abortion, use hormonal contraceptive for long duration, and gradually cessed their menstruation. Multiple regression analysis indicated that gradual menstrual cessation, hormonal contraceptive use for long duration, and negative history of abortion, were the significant predictors of the end of menstrual activity. The study recommended that preventive intervention program for all women in midlife should be designed. Life style changes and education should be emphasized as well as furthermore studies concerning menopause and the issues relevant to women health