Knowledge, attitudes and demographic effect on menopausal experiences among Indian rural women

Abstract

The menopausal experiences of women in selected rural areas of Visnagar, addressing a research gap within cultural and socio-economic landscapes is of interest. The global aging trend was reflected in the 26% representation of women aged 50 and over in the study. Employing a cross-sectional design, 200 menopausal women were sampled through stratified random sampling, emphasizing demographic diversity. Results from a structured Knowledge Questionnaire and a Likert Scale for Attitude revealed that women generally possessed commendable knowledge (mean score 10.94) and positive attitudes (mean score 28.66) toward menopause. Significant associations between age, education, occupation, and income with knowledge and attitudes were uncovered through chi-square tests. This study underscored the need for tailored interventions in rural settings, considering the influence of cultural, regional, and demographic factors on menopausal experiences. The findings contributed to bridging the research gap and emphasized the importance of individualized approaches for promoting the well-being of menopausal women in rural communities.