Menopause-Related Symptoms and Help Seeking Behavior among Women Attended at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Women have experienced different menopause-related symptoms. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the menopause-related symptoms and help seeking behavior among the women attended at a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient Department of Kushtia Medical College Hospital, Kushtia, Bangladesh from October 2015 to September 2016 for a period of one (01) year. Menopausal women who were attended in the outpatient Department of Hospital were included as study population. The eligible women had at least one year of amenorrhoea. Surgical menopause or due to severe illness, extreme weight loss endocrine disorders or radio therapy were excluded. Each subject completed a questionnaire that elicited their sociodemographic information, personal and family history and current medical problems. Result: A total number of 437 women were recruited for this study. The most prevalent menopausal symptom among the participants was generalized body ache 91.30%. Followed by low back pain 88.55%, muscle & joint pain 87.18%, tiredness 86.04%, hot flush 64.30%, urinary symptoms 43.93%, vaginal dryness 48.28%, insomnia 73.91%, irritability 23.56%. Most of the participants consulted at first with village doctors (63.15%) followed by general practitioners 20.82% due to their health problems. Some sought help from traditional healers like kobiraj 3.20%. Conclusion: In conclusion, body ache, low back pain, muscle and joint pain and tiredness are the most commonly reported menopause-related symptoms that are mostly consulted with village doctors.