Knowledge and attitude of older women towards menopause.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the knowledge and attitude towards menopause among postmenopausal women seeking gynecological treatment.

DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional survey based on sample of convenience.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

The study was conducted at the Gynecology outpatient department of MCH Center, PIMS, Islamabad from 1st June to 31st September, 2002.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Seventy postmenopausal women over 45 years of age were interviewed.

RESULTS

The mean age of respondents was 54.4 years. Fifty-two (74.3%) women knew about menopause, 39 (55.7%) were aware of symptomatology while only 7 (10%) knew sequelae of menopause. Fifty-three (75.7%) women were satisfied with cessation of menstruation and only 17 (24.3%) desired to continue menstruation. Twenty-four (34.3%) respondents were unhappy with their menopausal status. Thirty-two (45.7%) women were content with their present sexual relations, 18 (25.7%) were dissatisfied and 20 (28.6%) had no sexual activity. Fifty-two (74.3%) women felt a need for health education on menopause in educational institutions. Thirty-three (47.1%) considered treatment of menopause necessary. Four (5.7%) were aware of any treatment of menopause and 55 (78.6%) desired to learn more about menopause.

CONCLUSION

Women have different views about menopause, few see it as a medical condition requiring treatment, whereas a majority consider it a natural transition. There was dearth of knowledge regarding significance of menopause.