Knowledge and attitude towards personal health care and menopause among women with ischemic heart disease undergoing coronary angiography

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude towards personal health care and menopause among women with ischemic heart disease. The study population consisted of 100 menopausal women attending the cardiac unit for coronary angiography. All women completed a 20-item questionnaire, covering information on health-care habits, life style and attitude towards menopause. About half of the study population had ever smoked, were overweight, had never tried to lose weight and did not exercise regularly. The majority regularly underwent screening mammography, Pap smear and lipid profile measurement. There was a positive statistically significant correlation between years of education and having annual mammography, Pap smear and lipid profile, performing breast self-examinations and taking an annual vacation. Sixty eight per cent of the study population had never used hormone replacement therapy (HRT), 13.2% had used HRT in the past and 18.8% were currently using HRT. There was a negative statistically significant correlation between use of HRT and age and number of children, and a positive statistically significant correlation between use of HRT and having an annual Pap smear and mammography scan. Only a relatively small percentage of the study population safeguarded their health care or used HRT. We believe that stronger efforts are needed to promote good health-related behaviors for these women.