Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards menopausal symptoms and challenges in seeking treatment among rural women in north India: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Menopause is associated with various physical and emotional changes resulting from hormonal shifts after a certain age. Understanding the various effects of menopause and their impact on quality of life is essential, as it highlights the need to raise awareness and provide appropriate support to women during the crucial transition.  The present study aims at assessing the gap in knowledge, attitude  and practices of rural women towards menopausal symptoms.

Methods:  A Cross sectional study among  post menopausal women above 40 years of age in the Rural Field Practice  area of Northern Haryana . A total of 307 women were enrolled for this study.  Questions on socio-demograhic characteristics, severity of menopausal symptoms as perceived by the women (Greene Climacteric Scale) , questions on knowledge (7 questions) , Attitude (8 questions), Practices (8 questions) regarding this menopausal transitions were asked.

Results: The mean age at which menopause was attained was 48 ± 2.4 years. 27.7% of menopausal women had good knowledge, 21.8% had average knowledge and 50.5% had poor knowledge regarding menopausal symptoms. In Greene Climacteric Scale, high mean scores were observed for feeling tired or lacking in energy (2.01), muscle and joint pains ( 1.75 ) and loss of interest in sex (1.56 ).

Conclusion: Focus on improving knowledge , early identification along with  prevention of problems , encouraging positive attitudes,  promoting healthy practices and seeking timely advice by gynaecologist can help in smooth transition during this phase.