Prevalence and factors associated with morbidity among postmenopausal women in a rural area in Kozhikode District

Abstract

Introduction: The focus of women's health researchers and health policy planners has also shifted toward postmenopausal women since recent trends suggest an increase in their number and life expectancy. In general, women have more complex and stressful aging process as men do, as a consequence of hormonal changes that occur during menopausal transition. Objectives: The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of postmenopausal symptoms among women in a rural area of Kozhikode and study factors associated with it. Material and Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among postmenopausal women aged 40–55 years in Nanminda panchayat, a rural area in Kozhikode district. This 1-year study was conducted from June 2015 to June 2016, had 245 participants with informed consent. There are 17 wards (17 clusters) in Nanminda panchayat area from which 6 wards were selected. The prevalence of postmenopausal symptoms and associated factors such as sociodemographic profile, morbidity details, diet supplements, anthropometric, clinical, and reproductive components was assessed using the pretested semistructured questionnaire. Results: A total of 245 postmenopausal women were studied. The prevalence of postmenopausal symptoms was found to be 64%. The mean age of the study population was 50.87 years. Age, education, marital status, menopausal age, and duration of menopause were found to be significantly associated with the presence of postmenopausal symptoms. Intake of Calcium supplements was found to be having protective effect against menopausal symptoms. Binary logistic regression revealed that age, educational status, marital status, and dietary intake of calcium supplements are significantly associated with postmenopausal symptoms. Conclusion: Women with early age of menopause and less duration since menopause had more risk of having postmenopausal symptoms. The prevalence of symptoms was found to be less if calcium supplements were taken.