PERCEPTIONS, ATTITUDES AND MANAGEMENT OF MENOPAUSE AMONG MENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN THREE COMMUNITIES

ABSTRACT

Background: Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55 years, and it is considered as a natural biological event that affects all women who transit into the period. To some women, the transition is characterized with physiological, psychological and social changes that impact their health. Clinical menopausal symptoms include hot flushes, depression, mood swings, forgetfulness, and sleep disturbances among others. Over the years, women have adopted various medical, herbal and natural strategies such as hormonal replacement therapies, local herbal medications and food supplements to manage the symptoms of menopause.

Objective: The objective of the study is to understand the perceptions attitudes and management of menopause among menopausal women in three communities in Tema.

Method: A qualitative cross-sectional approach was employed to study women’s perceptions, attitudes and management of menopause in three communities 2, 3 and 5 in Tema. In-depth interviews were used to collect data from 20 women aged between 50 and 75 years. Data was analysed using the thematic approach.

Findings: Majority of the women in the study viewed menopausal transition as a natural process of ageing. They experienced a set of psychological, physical and sociological symptoms. The women had a fair knowledge about menopause, and this information was acquired from their families, religious groups and media. Most of the women used natural management styles such as eating fresh fruit and vegetables, exercises and complimentary alternative medicines to manage their menopausal symptoms.

Conclusion: Even though menopause is considered as natural part of aging process, there is the need for health care providers, families and religious organisations to provide care, support, counselling and health education prior to and during the menopausal period to prevent serious medical health issues associated with menopausal transition, thereby, improving quality of life for women.