Abstract

AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION OF MENOPAUSE IN PAKISTANI WOMEN

Fakhsheena Anjum, Sana Ghayas*, Noor Jahan and Hina Yasin

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dow College of Pharmacy, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the perception and approach of post menopausal women about menopause in Karachi.Methodology: A cross sectional study was done at Civil Hospital, Karachi. The women were interviewed using a structured questionnaire from March to September 2012 based on convenient sampling. The questionnaires were filled completely by 93 women of above 42 years of age after explaining the objectives of the study and taking their verbal consent. Results: Mean age of the participants was 49±4 in which n=58 (62.37%) belonged to poor socio economic class. Most of the women (n=45, 48.39%) were multiparous. Out of 93 females, n=55 (59.14%) had knowledge regarding menopause, n=31 (33.33%) were aware of its symptoms and n=10 (10.75%) knew about its treatment. n=41(44.09%) were satisfied with its cessation whereas n= 38(40.86%) wanted it to continue. n=65(69.89%) had a desire for edification on menopause and n= 44 (47.31%) felt need for medical treatment. Complains found among post menopausal women were uterovaginal prolapse in n= 40 (43.48%), urinary problems in n= 16 (17.39%), night sweats in n= 17 (18.48%), hot flushes in n= 32 (34.78%) and mood changes in n= 39 (42.39%). About n=32 (45.7%) women were content with their present sexual relations, n=18 (25.7%) were dissatisfied and n=20 (28.6%) had no sexual activity.Conclusion: Menopause is a natural transition but has inconvenient effects on ageing women due to lack of health/treatment awareness. To reduce fretfulness among post menopausal women, education and medical consultation is necessary.

Keywords: Menopause, Menopausal women, Menopause awareness.