Frequency of Physical, Mental and Social Health problems in post-menopausal females, A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Each year globally, 85% of women experience menopause-related symptoms, the most common being hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, apprehension, anxiety and weight gain. Addressing these symptoms is needed to improve the health status of post-menopausal women, which is possible through education and counselling to improve the attitudes of women and their families towards menopause.

Objectives: To determine frequency of health problems in post-menopausal females

Methodology: Three hundred twenty-five post-menopausal women from outpatient departments of Allied Hospitals of RMU were recruited in descriptive cross-sectional study by consecutive sampling and interviewed.Data were entered on SPSS version 22 and analysed.

Results: The highest percentage of respondents were 51-55years of age (55%) followed by 46-50years (28%). The most frequent physical problems were tiredness (72%) and joint pains (66.8%). Commonest mental health issues reported was indecisiveness (75%) and forgetfulness (66.8%). The most common social health problems were staying silent (43%), and discomfort while travelling (39%).

Conclusion: Various grades of social, physical and mental symptoms exist in our postmenopausal women. There is a dire need of recognizing them so that these women can be helped by psychological support and lifestyle enhancement.