Menopause knowledge and education in women under 40: Results from an online survey

Abstract

Background: All women experience the menopause, yet education around the topic is limited. Studies conducted in women aged over 40 show that women have limited knowledge about the menopause. Objectives: This study aims to understand what women under 40 know about the menopause, how they have acquired this knowledge and where they think menopause education should be taught. This data will help to determine how to effectively deliver menopause education. Design: A survey was designed that asked women under 40 what they know of, and their attitudes to, the menopause, using Qualtrics XM software. Methods: The survey was advertised for 5 weeks on social media. Six questions related to menopause education were analysed. Responses between age groups under 20, 21–30 and over 30 were compared using a chi-square test. A thematic-style analysis was also conducted on a free-text question where answers referred to education. Results: A total of 738 women’s responses were included in the analysis; over 80% had no knowledge or just some knowledge of the menopause. Women over 30 used official websites (p = 0.017) and scientific literature (p = 0.047) significantly more than other age groups to learn about the menopause, while women under 20 were more likely to learn from family members (p = 0.002). These women felt education should start in schools. Conclusion: Many women under 40 have limited education of the menopause. Women under 20 are more passive in their approach to learning about the menopause compared with those over 30, who are more proactive. Menopause education strategies must start at school and extend beyond schools adopting a multifaceted approach; it is recommended that the workplace, social media and public health campaigns are used to deliver menopause education moving forward.