Perception and Awareness of Menopause among Premenopausal Women of Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds

Abstract

Ab s t r Ac t Objective: To assess the knowledge of premenopausal women belonging to different socioeconomic backgrounds, about symptoms, treatment, myths, and causes of early or late onset of menopause. Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Ziauddin University hospital over a period of 8 months. A sample size of 300 was taken. Socioeconomic status was determined by inquiring about income per capita . Knowledge and perception of the premenopausal women were assessed. Data were entered and analyzed using version 20 of SPSS. Results: The upper class seemed to be highly aware of the common menopausal symptoms. Young females from the lower class had least knowledge about menopause, followed by middle class. 55% of women considered menopause to be a natural aging process rest believed that it is a clinical condition. The majority, with a negative perspective, belonged to lower socioeconomic class. Conclusion: About a quarter of Pakistanis are living below the poverty line, and since the study suggests that women from this stratum have poor knowledge about menopause, there is a great need for spreading awareness to this class. This study would help improve the quality of life of women belonging to the lower class and would eventually decrease morbidity and mortality due to the consequences of menopause. There is limited research in Pakistan about the knowledge of women regarding menopause, and the focus is diverted more towards evaluating the experience of menopause rather than perception. Adverse socioeconomic conditions are likely to leave deep imprints on psychological well-being of an individual. Hence it can be a major risk factor for the difference in opinion and perception as well as knowledge.