Study to assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding menopause among menopausal women attending outdoor in tertiary care centre

Abstract

Background: India is a developing country and it is growing rapidly in all aspects of life. Health status of population has improved and hence the life expectancy. Women are affected positively by this improvement and their life expectancy has become longer than men. Women all over the world now have to spend almost 1/3rd of their lives in menopausal years. Therefore, menopause now is a concerning matter to maintain and improve women’s health.Methods: This analytical study was conducted for a period of 1 year in postmenopausal women attending outdoor in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Sultania Zanana Hospital, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. The instrument used in this study was structured questionnaire consisting of 19 items in Hindi language, developed on the basis of the objective of the study.Results: In the present study, 32.72% of menopausal women had knowledge of menopausal symptoms. 39.09%, 52.72% and 22.72% knew that menopause increases risk of cardiovascular, osteoporosis and breast cancer respectively. 28.18% think menopausal women should consult a physician, only 4.54% of menopausal women are aware of HT. 64.55% of menopausal women perceive menopause as loss of youth. 67.28% think menopausal psychological symptoms affect quality of life. 57.28% think that menopause means end of sexual life. 30% think that menopause is associated with maturity and experience. 46.27% think that absence of menstruation in the post-menopausal period is a relief. 39.10% think physical changes of menopause are inevitable and hence acceptable. 29.09% had consulted a physician at the onset of menopause.Conclusions: Our study shows that majority of women have a negative outlook towards menopause considering as a loss of youth and higher susceptibility towards health problems. This shows that the awareness towards menopause should be increased by IEC (information, education, and counseling), so as to help these women to live their postmenopausal years more healthy and active.