Menopausal Experiences among Women in Addis Ababa

Abstract

The theme of women’s menopausal experience remains to be a focus of scientific inquiry in the western and Asian nations. However, the issue has not been studied in the African (mainly Ethiopia) context. This research endeavored to explore this issue (menopausal age, awareness, attitude, and symptoms) among women in Addis Ababa. A total of 212 women were sampled from heterogeneous settings (health centers, schools, and business centers) to fill in the structured questionnaire. Findings indicated that the mean age at menopause was lower (45.34 years) compared to those reported in other nations and this age was unrelated to age at first menstruation. Participants were with moderate level of awareness as well as attitude about menopause but had experienced fewer menopausal symptoms. The correlation analysis yielded that while menopausal awareness was positively related with attitudes, experience of menopausal symptoms was, however, related neither to awareness nor to attitudes. ANOVA test yielded significant differences among educational, marital, and menopausal groups in menopausal experiences. However, the direction of impact was found varied group-wise for the different kinds of menopausal experiences. A number of inconsistencies were found between findings of the present study and those documented in previous research and this could be because of cultural differences.