Knowledge and attitude of older women towards menopause

ABSTRACT

To assess the knowledge and attitude towards menopause in postmenopausal women and to determine associated socio-demographic features such as the age, parity, social and educational status of such women. Descriptive, observational. January 2004 to November 2004. Out patient department, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. A total 200 postmenopausal women aged 50 and above were interviewed in the outpatient department to assess their knowledge about menopause and their attitude postmenopausally whether positive or negative. Mean age at menopause was 48.9 years. Sixty five percent women were satisfied with cessation of menstruation mostly because of religious background. However 3% desired to continue menstruation while 5% women were unhappy with their menopausal status. Twenty four percent women perceived no change in behavior. About 50% women had knowledge about menopause and its symptoms. Only a small percentage of women had knowledge about sequel of menopause and its treatment. The average age at menopause in Pakistan is around 49years. Most Pakistani women are multiparous or grand multiparous especially rural women. Knowledge about menopause, its sequel and treatment to improve quality of life is limited. Pakistani women take menopause positively on religious grounds. There is a need to conduct population based studies on the knowledge and awareness of women towards menopause, so as to formulate a countrywide health education strategy