A Descriptive study to assess the level of knowledge regarding Menopause among rural women of age group 45-55 years at Kot Bhalwal, Jammu

Mrs. Deva Pon Pushpam. I.

Associate Professor, Bee Enn College of Nursing, Jammu.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: pushpapdeva@gmail.com

ABSTRACT:

One of the most important stage in women`s life is menopause. The word menopause simply refers to the last menstrual period which is defined by not having had a period in 12 months. The average age of menopause in western world is 51 years while as in India it is 47.5 years and the normal age range for the occurrence of menopause is somewhat between the age of 45 and 55 years. A descriptive study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge regarding menopause among rural women of age group 45-55 years at Kot Bhalwal, Jammu. The objectives were to assess the level of knowledge regarding menopause among rural women of age group 45-55 years at Kot Bhalwal, Jammu and to associate the level of knowledge regarding menopause with their selected socio demographic variables. Quantitative approach, descriptive research design was used. 100 women of 45–55 years age who fulfil the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected using purposive sampling technique. A self-structured questionnaire was developed for the study. The tool was tested for content validity and reliability prior to the study. The collected data was tabulated, analysed and interpreted by using descriptive and inferential statistics and findings showed that majority of the sample 97(97%) had below average level of knowledge, 3(3%) had average level of knowledge and 0(0%) had above average level of knowledge and there was no significant association between the selected socio-demographic variables and the level of knowledge.

KEYWORDS: Menopause, Rural women.

INTRODUCTION:

Greek words: ‘menos’ meaning month, and ‘pause’ meaning to cease. So, menopause means the ‘monthly (the period) stops’. Menopause is a normal, natural event – defined as the final menstrual period and usually confirmed when a woman has missed her periods for 12 consecutive months (in the absence of other obvious causes)⁵. The age at which menopause naturally occurs may reflect nutritional and environmental circumstances as well as genetic factors³. The change such as decrease in the production of oestrogen leads to perimenopausal syndrome of hot flushes, insomnia and mood changes, as well as postmenopausal osteoporosis and vaginal atrophy⁴.

Some main effects of menopause are vasomotor instability, urogenital atrophy¹ (vaginal atrophy), and skeletal, psychological and sexual changes. In term of relationships, all of this syndrome can be detrimental to a healthy relationship².

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:

A descriptive study to assess the level of knowledge regarding menopause among rural women of age group 45-55 years at Kot Bhalwal, Jammu.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

To assess the level of knowledge regarding menopause among rural women of age group 45-55 years at Kot Bhalwal, Jammu.

To associate the level of knowledge regarding menopause among rural women of age group of 45-55 years with their selected socio demographic variables

Assumption:

The rural women may not be having adequate knowledge regarding menopause.

Research Approach:

Quantitative research approach was adopted for this study

Research Design:

Descriptive research design was adopted for this study

Research Setting:

The study was conducted at Kot Bhalwal, Jammu.

Target Population:

Rural women of age 45 - 55years

Accessible Population:

Rural women of age 45 - 55 years at Kot Bhalwal, Jammu.

Sample and Sample Techinque:

The sample of present study was rural women of age group 45-55 years at Kot Bhalwal, Jammu who fulfils the inclusion and exclusion criteria and purposive sampling technique was used in the study.

Sample Size:

The sample size for the study was 100.

Criteria for Sample Selection:

Inclusion criteria:

Rural women who were present at the time of data collection.

Exclusion criteria:

Rural women who were not willing to participate in the study.

Variable:

Research variable was the level of knowledge regarding menopause among rural women.

Description Tools:

Part- 1 Socio-Demographic Variables:

It included Age, Education status, Family income, Occupation, source of information, marital status etc.

Part-2 Self structured Questionnaire:

Self structured questionnaire consists of 20 questions on knowledge regarding menopause.

Scoring Procedure:

Section B:

Each correct answer carries one mark and wrong answer carries zero mark. The maximum mark was 20.

0-50% - Below average knowledge.

51-75% - Average knowledge.

76-100% - Above average knowledge.

Data Collection Procedure:

Data was collected from 100 women. Purposive sampling technique was used to select sample. A written permission was taken from Block Medical Officer. Data was collected by using self structured questionnaire.

Plan for Data Analysis:

The data was analyzed according to objectives of the study using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency, percentage and chi –square test.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Majority of the women (37%) belonged to 53 – 55 years of age, 47% were illiterate, 94% were married, 100% were housewife, 27% had the monthly income of Rs. 18,953 – Rs. 31, 589, 50% had two children and 73% had previous information from relatives.

Out of 100 women, 97% had below average level of knowledge, 3% had average level of knowledge and none of them (0%) had above average level of knowledge regarding menopause.

This study result showed that there was no significant relationship between age, education, marital status, occupation, monthly income of the family, number of children and source of information with the level of knowledge regarding menopause.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

· A similar study can be undertaken with large number of samples which might lead to generalization.

· A comparative study can be conducted between urban and rural area among perimenopausal women.

· A structured teaching programme can be administered to assess the pre and post level of knowledge among perimenopausal women.

CONCLUSION:

The study concluded that, the level of knowledge regarding menopause was inadequate. The investigator observed that there is a need to educate rural women regarding menopause to clear the myths and misconceptions and to increase their healthy lifestyle.

REFERENCES:

1. Moral, et al. The impact of genitourinary syndrome of menopause on well-being, functioning and quality of life in post menopausal women. Menopause. 2018; 25 (12): 1418-1423.

2. Varuna Pathak, et al. Study to assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding menopause among menopausal women attending outdoor in tertiary care centre. IJRCOG. 2017; 6 (5): 1848-1853.

3. Saseendran Pallikadavath, et al. Natural menopause among women below 50 years in India: A population-based study. The Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2016; 144(3): 366-377.

4. Sagar A. Borker, et al. Study of menopausal symptoms and perceptions about menopause among women at a rural community in Kerala. Journal of Midlife Health. 2013; 4(3): 182-187.

5. Marie E Pinto. A study on knowledge and attitude regarding menopause among rural and urban married women in Mangalore. Journal of SAFOG. 2010; 2(3): 233-235.

Received on 25.02.2021 Modified on 16.03.2021

Int. J. of Advances in Nur. Management. 2021; 9(3):315-316.

DOI: 10.52711/2454-2652.2021.00070