A SURVEY OF KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF MENOPAUSE AMONG YOUNG TO MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN IN FEDERAL TERRITORY, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Prevalence and signs and symptoms of menopause have been extensively studied among Malaysian women but no one had investigated the level of knowledge and perception of menopause. This study aimed to examine the knowledge and perception of menopause among young to middle aged women (15 to 49 years old). A cross-sectional survey using 20-items questionnaire was conducted in three randomly chosen districts in Federal Territory, Kuala Lumpur. Women in this survey were aware of the meaning of the term menopause and its symptoms. However, the majority lacked comprehensive understanding about the health risks associated with menopause. Commonly cited sources of knowledge were magazines and family members. Lack of official sources for accurate information on menopause was reported. Communication with health care personnel regarding menopause was uncommon. An exploration into respondents' perceptions on menopause revealed that the majority displayed positive thinking towards menopause. Young respondents seemed to have better perception regarding menopause compared to middle aged women. Although the women had good knowledge about menopause, they expressed feelings of sadness and nervousness upon the approach of their own menopause. Our data provides insight on the knowledge and perception of menopause that will guide future public health initiatives for premenopausal women in order for them to cope better when approaching this stage of life cycle.