Syeda Batool Mazhar1. 1. Department of Gynaecology/Obstetrics, Mother and Child Health Centre, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad. batool@comsats.net.pk
Abstract
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.
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.