Menopause Knowledge and Attitudes of English-Speaking Caribbean Women

Abstract

Seventy-four 36-60 year old English-speaking Caribbean women living in the New York metropolitan area were surveyed to determine their knowledge and attitudes towards menopause, and to identify implications for health education practice. A 33-item questionnaire was distributed by the researcher and her trained research assistant at three sites. Sixty-three (85%) of the seventy four women surveyed returned useable questionnaires. Respondents lacked comprehensive understanding of the meaning of the term menopause and information about the risks of heart disease associated with menopause. In general, menopause health information was limited. The majority said they did not seek medical attention when symptoms were present. Among those who did seek care and those for whom treatment was prescribed, non-compliance was high, even with the support of a significant other. There was little correlation between the reported level of education and knowledge of health risks associated with menopause. Although limited in its generalizability, this study identifies the need for further research. It suggests the tailoring of health promotion and disease prevention strategies as well as identifying “efficacy-based” prevention strategies that focus on the needs of English-speaking Caribbean women.