[Subjective syndromes of perimenopausal women in China assessed using a multidimensional inventory: a canonical correlation analysis between the severity of subjective symptoms and the self-efficacy score].

We assessed subjective menopausal symptoms in Chinese women using a multidimensional inventory that covered five dimensions: sexual function, mental condition, interpersonal anxiety, autonomic balance, and other subjective symptoms. We elucidated its relationship with the score on a self-efficacy scale. We surveyed subjective menopausal symptoms in 281 women between 40 and 59 years old, who resided in an urban area in northwest China using both 60-item self-reported subjective menopausal symptoms and 16-item general self-efficacy scales. The dimensional structure was evaluated statistically using confirmatory factor analysis. The five-factor model appeared to fit the data, with sufficient validity (RMSEA = 0.075) and the instrument had appropriate internal consistency, with an average Cronbach's alpha of 0.964. The subjects were divided into pre-menopause, menopause-transition, and post-menopause groups based on the number of menstruations per year. Factorial analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in the severity of subjective symptoms among the three groups. The correlation between the severity of subjective symptoms and the self-efficacy score was determined using canonical correlation analysis. All factors except sexual function had a negative influence on the self-efficacy score.