Women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding perimenopausal syndrome in China

The incidence of perimenopausal syndrome has increased among women in China, leading to considerable physical and emotional distress. This study aimed to assess women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding perimenopausal syndrome. Unlike previous studies, this research provides a comprehensive analysis of KAP among a broad age range of Chinese women and explores the influence of sociocultural factors on their experiences.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China, between April and August 2024. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect demographic information, KAP data, and life satisfaction scores using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).

A total of 403 valid questionnaires were analyzed; 7.69% of participants had been diagnosed with perimenopausal syndrome. The mean SWLS score was 22.60 ± 5.27 (range: 5-35). The mean knowledge score was 9.86 ± 1.25 (range: 0-12), the mean attitude score was 29.49 ± 2.56 (range: 8-40), and the mean practice score was 32.30 ± 5.25 (range: 9-45). Correlation analysis showed positive associations between knowledge and attitude, attitude and practice, attitude and SWLS, and practice and SWLS (r = 0.112-0.344, P < 0.001). Knowledge was negatively correlated with SWLS (r=-0.133, P = 0.007). Multivariate logistic regression found that both attitude (OR = 1.304, 95% CI: 1.180-1.448, P < 0.001) and SWLS (OR = 1.080, 95% CI: 1.028-1.135, P = 0.002) were positively associated with practice. Structural equation modeling further revealed indirect associations between SWLS and attitude (β=-0.018, 95% CI: -0.032 to -0.009, P = 0.004) and between knowledge and practice (β = 0.366, 95% CI: 0.202-0.519, P = 0.009).

Women in China demonstrated good knowledge but only moderate attitudes and practices regarding perimenopausal syndrome. This study highlights the need for educational and behavioral interventions that account for sociocultural influences to improve women's health during the perimenopausal transition.