Knowledge, attitude and experience of menopause.

OBJECTIVE To determine the knowledge and attitude of women towards menopause and to investigate the symptoms experienced by postmenopausal women. DESIGN It was a cross sectional survey based on sample of convenience. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Study was conducted at out patient department of Isra university hospital from 1st January 2005 to 31st December 2006. METHODS Total 863 women of age 42 to 80 years were interviewed in office of out patient department. A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis done by computer software statistical program for social sciences (SPSS) version 11.0. RESULTS Mean age of respondents was 55.05, Menopause was natural in 727 (84.24%) women and 136 (15.75%) had surgical menopause. 680 (78.79%) women had little knowledge about menopause, while 137 (15.8%) women knew about effects and symptom of menopause. 680 (78.79%) women considered menopause as a natural process, while 183 (21.2%) perceived it as a disease, 720 (83.42%) women were happy about cessation of menses and they did not want to have menses again, while 143 (16.57%) women wanted to have menses again. These women were of age 45 to 58 years and 85 (59.4%) were uneducated. Frequently reported symptoms were Backache in 653 (75.66%), body aches, 576 (66.74%) and Insomnia in 544 (63.44%) women. Vasomotor symptoms (Hot Flushes and Night Sweats) were reported by 513 (59.4%) and 390 (45.19%) respectively. Short loss of memory was reported by 536 (62.10%) women. 318 (36.84%) women were bothered by menopausal symptoms but only 275 (31.86%) has consulted doctor. 649 (75.20%) women were not taking any medicine for symptoms, 08 (0.926%) were taking Herbs, 10 (1.15%) were on HRT and 196 (22.71%) women were taking analgesics and Ca supplements off and on. Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus was present in 180 (20.85%), 215 (24.9%) women respectively. CONCLUSION Majority of our women were unaware of menopausal symptoms and its health effects. Most of them considered it as a natural process of aging, though bothered by symptoms but did not go for consultation due to lack of awareness and poverty.