STUDY TO ASSESS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING MENOPAUSE AMONG MENOPAUSAL WOMEN ATTENDING OUTDOOR IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background:With the increase in life expectancy, in India the population of menopausal women are increasing but there is no current health policy regarding menopausal health. Menopause is associated with multiple physical and psychological symptoms.Menopausal health demands priority in Indian scenario as most are either unaware or do not pay adequate attention to menopausal symptoms. Therefore, menopause now is a concerning matter to maintain and improve women's health. Aims And Objectives: The study is designed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding menopause among menopausal women. Study Design: A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey was conducted in women attending Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Lalla ded hospital, Government Medical College Srinagar. Materials And Methods: A total of 300 subjects were enrolled and subjected for interview using prevalidated KAP(knowledge, attitude and practice) questionnaire consisting of 19 items , developed on the basis of the objective of the study. Results:Atotal of 300 women responded to questionnaire, in these most were between 45 and 55 years of age. The mean age of women was 53.17±6.61and majority (142; 47.33%) were belonging to rural area and were illiterate (140; 46.66%) .In the present study majority of the menopausal women had poor score of KAP(knowledge, attitude and practice) regarding menopause.26.33% of menopausal women had knowledge of menopausal symptoms. 16%, 27.66% and 9% knew that menopause increases risk of cardiovascular, osteoporosis and breast cancer respectively.63% of menopausal women perceive menopause as loss of youth.Common symptoms that the study subjects suffered were feeling tired 71%, mood changes 56.66%,hot ashes and sweating 37.66%,muscle and joint pains 41%, dryness of vagina 33%, urinary symptoms 30.34%, sexual problems 27.66%. Conclusions: Our study shows that the level of good knowledge about menopause was signicantly low among menopausal women, majority of women have a negative outlook towards menopause considering as a loss of youth.This shows that the awareness towards menopause should be increased by IEC (information, education, and counseling), so as to help these women to live their postmenopausal years more healthy and active.