A study on menopause, menopausal symptoms and their impact on routine life, among female health care workers over 40 years in Teaching Hospital Batticaloa.

Abstract

Menopause is a natural biological process which affects the physiological, psychological and social wellbeing of a woman. This study is focused on assessing the knowledge and perception of menopause among woman and the impact menopausal symptoms on a woman's life.The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception on menopause and menopausal symptoms and to describe the impact of menopausal symptoms on the routine life among female health care workers over 40 years in Teaching Hospital Batticaloa. A Descriptive Cross Sectional study was conducted from October 2020 to September 2021 among 170 female health care workers over 40 years in Teaching Hospital Batticaloa. Complete enumeration was used as a sampling method and a pre-tested, self administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 25 (SPSS V.25) was used to enter and analyze the data. A total of 170 health care workers completed the questionnaire. Of the sample, 32.9% were between 45 and 49 years and 30% of the total population was in post- menopausal stage. The percentages of respondents who had moderate and good knowledge were 47.1% and 42.9% respectively. Only 48.8% knew about Hormone Replacement Therapy. The overall mean knowledge score was 60.32±19.97. The negative and positive attitudes regarding menopause were almost equal. Although 79.4% women complained of suffering from menopausal symptoms, they reported that it did not affect their work and life. The results showed a moderate knowledge and mixed perception regarding menopause. Although majority of women over 40 years suffered from menopausal symptoms, their practice towards management of symptoms was relatively low. Creating awareness on menopausal symptoms, their management and healthy practices among women and providing physical support for menopausal women are recommended.