Money & Menopause: The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Class and Awareness about Menopause in Women in Mumbai, India

Abstract

The primary aim of this study is to determine the awareness regarding menopause and its treatment options among women in Mumbai, India and correlate the same with the social class of the subject. In addition, this study also attempts to identify the attitude of Indian women toward menopause. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-constructed semi structured questionnaire given to women between the ages of 35 and 55years, currently residing in Mumbai. The 192 women interviewed were then divided into 6 groups as per Prasad's Socioeconomic Classification (based on per capita monthly income) with 53% falling in class I and II and 47% in class III, IV and V. Although the study was conducted primarily at a charitable hospital, no subject was found who fulfilled the Class VI criteria. The study shows that two-thirds of class I, four-fifths of class II, less than half of class III, and one third of class IV and V are aware about treatment options for menopause which is a significant variation (χ (2) value=20.127, df=1, P<0.0001). We also found that once counseled, more than half the subjects of classes I to V were willing to accept treatment, which thus is not a significant variation (P=0.4659). Of the total subjects, more than half were relieved, one fourth frightened, and less than one fifth were uncertain about their feelings toward menopause. We thus conclude that there is a significant relationship between socioeconomic status and awareness about menopause treatment options while there is no relationship between socioeconomic status and acceptance of treatment for the same. A majority of the Indian women are relieved by the onset of menopause.