LJMU students’ knowledge, views, attitudes, and understanding of the cultural influence on menopause

Abstract

Background: Menopause is a natural transition in women’s lives. Due to drastic hormonal changes, most women go through complicated symptoms, which causes lower quality of life. Accurate knowledge and broader attitudes of the young student regarding menopause is necessary as it is a significant part of women’s reproductive system. Most importantly, accurate knowledge from a younger age will change everybody’s attitudes toward menopause and make them well equipped to manage this menopausal transition effectively and support menopausal women as well. The present study aimed to explore LJMU students’ knowledge, views, attitudes, and understanding of the cultural influence on menopause.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire among LJMU students aged above 18. 46 participants completed the survey. To accomplish the research objectives, the survey covered questions on demographics, knowledge, attitudes on menopause, and understanding of cultural influence. The collected data were analysed by using the statistical software SPSS. This study received ethical approval from LJMU Research Ethics Committee.

Results: The study findings revealed that 37.8% of participants accurately knew the general onset of menopause. At the same time, 51.1% of students knew about menopausal treatment options. Furthermore, most students (79.5%) considered irritability and depressive disorder were the most common symptoms of menopause. The study found that student's average menopausal knowledge mean score in the knowledge section was 6.4 out of 14. Female students showed a 1.9% higher mean knowledge score than male students. In this study, no significant correlation had been found between menopausal knowledge scores and with sex group. No significant association had been identified between menopausal knowledge and age groups as well. However, a considerable association had been found between menopausal condition (chronic/ acute) with age group, which was close to significant value. In the attitude section, the study found that the average attitude score was 28 out of 45. Male student's attitude level was 1.31% higher than female students. No significant association had been determined between menopausal attitudes and the sex group. However, a considerable association had been identified between the menopausal attitude and with age group, which was close to the significant value. The study found a limited understanding of cultural influences on menopause among students.

Conclusion: Overall, this study provided an overview of knowledge, attitudes, and understanding of cultural influences on menopause among the young generation (above 18). The study identified a knowledge gap in menopause among the young generation. A moderate level of attitudes and limited understanding of cultural influence had also been identified here. This study suggests that formal education and broader attitudes towards menopause from a young age will ensure a healthy and quality life for women. 3 Keywords: Menopause, menopausal knowledge, menopausal attitudes, LJMU students, menopausal knowledge in younger generation, cultural influences on menopause.