Perimenopausal clinical performance as well as cognition and demand for knowledge of perimenopause in community-dwelling women

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical performance and related factors of perimenopausal syndrome, cognition and demand for perimenopausal knowledge in community-dwelling women. Methods During June 2009 to December 2011, a cross-section survey of perimenopausal symptoms as well as cognition and demand for perimenopausal knowledge was conducted in 1546 women aged 45 to 65 years in Shanghai Changfeng Community. Results The average menopausal age of this population was (49.5±3.7) years. The total prevalence of perimenopausal syndrome was 75.7% (n=1094) and 81.4%, 76.5%, 65.4% in women with primary school, middle school and college education background respectively (P=0.007). Sexual disorders (80.8%), hot flushes & sweating (64.7%) and fatigue (55.8%) were the most common symptoms of perimenopause. The most serious symptoms affecting daily lives included urinary symptoms, unsatisfactory sexual life and hot flushes & sweating. And 391 (27.1%), 238 (16.5%), 285 (19.8%) and 296 (20.5%) women did not know the concept of perimenopausal syndrome, possible symptoms, health measures or symptoms requiring medical attention. The common methods of acquiring the knowledge of perimenopause were communicating with peers (458, 31.7%), consulting professionals (364, 25.2%) and searching health care information (225, 17.6%). Conclusions In women, the prevalence of perimenopausal syndrome remains quite high. And a majority of them lack a sufficient knowledge of perimenopause and need professional guidance. Key words: Perimenopausal syndrome; Health service demand; Questionnaire