Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Menopause Among Elderly Women Attending Tertiary Health Care Centers in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Menopause is a stage in life in which female periods are stopped, as it is a normal part of ending of your fertile, reproductive years. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding menopause among elderly women of Lahore. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the Tertiary Health Care Centers in Lahore, Pakistan. Data were collected by non-probability convenient sampling technique. Inclusion criteria includes all females age between 45 to 60 and above. Whereas the exclusion criteria include non-cooperative individuals, women on any drug therapy. After taking informed written consent, data were collected by using self-structured questionnaire. Results: According to the study, 70% women had prior knowledge of menopause. 60% believe menopause is life-altering. Additionally, 67% believe menopause causes weight gain, 67% believe that food changes assist manage menopause. In addition, 65% practice the lifestyle changes help managing menopause. 44% had mild hot flashes and sweating episodes, 23% had severe symptoms, 45% of women had mild sleep issues. 36% were suffering from mild depression, and 30% had no symptoms.  In 29% women had osteoporosis, 46% women have joint pain 25% of women made dietary modification for menopause. Conclusions:  The majority of women were aware of menopause and its symptoms because they were educated, but they did not live a healthy lifestyle that included dietary practices and physical activities such as yoga and exercise. Providing menopause management could be a strategy to encourage successful menopausal transition in middle-aged women