Knowledge and Attitude of Saudi Women Towards Postmenopausal Symptoms and Management: A Cross-Sectional Study From...

Post menopause marks a significant transition in a woman's life. It is often accompanied by various symptoms that can impact her physical health, emotions, and social interactions. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of Saudi women towards postmenopausal symptoms and their management.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi women attending primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. A convenience sampling method was used, and a pretested, self-administered online questionnaire was administered to women during PHCC visits. The instrument assessed sociodemographic characteristics, postmenopausal symptoms severity, and knowledge regarding postmenopausal symptoms and management. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Among the 401 recruited Saudi women, 41.6% (n=167) were aged 46-55 years, and most were university graduates, 58.9% (n=236). About 48.1% (n=193) were considered to have severe postmenopausal symptoms. 38.4% (n=154) of participating women had moderate knowledge of the postmenopausal symptoms and management. Increased knowledge was associated with older age, higher monthly income, and more children. Interestingly, we found that the knowledge score was positively correlated with the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) total score (r=0.261; p < 0.001).

Women in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia tend to have a basic understanding of menopause. However, there are important gaps in recognizing symptoms and discussing them with healthcare providers. Knowledge of menopause varies significantly by factors such as age, income, and number of children. This highlights a significant need for personalized educational efforts aimed at empowering women to make informed decisions about their menopausal care.