Abstracts

This study entitled mothers knowledge on the signs and symptoms and management on menopausal syndrome carryout in the Muea which is located in the south west region with the objective as to asses women’s knowledge (40-60 years) on menopause age in the Muea community. To investigate women’s knowledge (40-60 years) on the signs and symptoms of menopause in the Muea community. To ascertain women’s knowledge on the management of menopause syndrome in the Muea community. 186 women was selected using the convenient sampling technique and a quantitative cross section study design was used and instrument for data collection was a well-structured questionnaire and data was analyzed using excel 2010.

The result obtain was based on the definition of menopause. It was seen that 87(43.5%) defined it as a natural biological process that marks the permanent cessation of menstruation and fertility in women.111(56.5%) could not define menopause. 13(6.5%) said the onset of menopause is 30-35years,87(43.5%) said the onset of menopause is age 40-45years and 27(13.5%) said the onset is 60years.

Looking at the causes of menopause, 76(38%) said the cause is giving birth to so many children, 21(10.5%) said the cause is not having children at all, 89(44.5%) said the cause is smoking, natural aging process and 14(7%) said I don’t know. Base on the phrase of menopause,68(34%) 3 phrase, 35(15.5) said 2 phrase, 77(38.5%) said 1phrase of menopause. The conclusion was based on objectives. It was concluded that base on the knowledge the respondent has poor knowledge, based on their knowledge on signs and symptoms the respondent has high knowledge and base on their knowledge on management they have moderate knowledge.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter comprises of introduction, background of the study, statement of the problem, research questions, research objectives, significance of the study, the scope of the study, and definition of terms.

1.1 Background of the Study

Historically, in ancient times, Menopause was not well understood in ancient times, and its significance varied across cultures. (Edward Freeman., 2022). Some cultures revered older women, associating them with wisdom, while others may have viewed menopausal symptoms as a sign of aging or illness. It was until around the 19th century, the medical community started recognizing menopause as a distinct phase in a woman’s life. However, the understanding was limited, and menopause was often linked to negative connotations like hysteria or madness. (Edward Freeman., 2022). Around the early phase of the 20th century, the term “menopause” itself gained prominence. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) emerged as a common treatment for managing menopausal symptoms. However, HRT’s popularity declined in the early 2000s due to health concerns. (Edward Freeman., 2022)

Conceptually, Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the permanent cessation of menstruation and fertility in women. It typically occurs in midlife, usually between the ages of 45 and 55, but can vary. It’s a significant milestone in a woman’s life and is caused by the gradual decline in ovarian function and the associated decrease in hormone production, particularly estrogen. (Sherman S et al, 2016) Cultural Perspectives menopause’s perception varies among cultures. In some cultures, it’s celebrated as a transition to a new phase of life, while in others, it’s associated with stigma. Cultural attitudes often shape how women experience and manage menopause (Sherman S et al, 2016).

Worldwide, the prevalence of menopause is estimated to be about 50 million cases annually. Menopause naturally occurs in women between 49 to 52 years of age the average. The fatality cases were 345 cases per 3191 women aged between 50-86 years in the United States. (WHO, 2019). In sub-Sahara Africa at large, Approximately 41% of the population are women, with an average age of 55.2 years who risk greater chances of entering menopause, as it is an inevitable aging challenge for all women (Statistics South Africa 2012). Cameroon in particular has about 35% of her total population made up of women beyond 45years and 65year of age whit 80% having kids and 95% already in menopause (Dr TAHSANG T. et al.,2018)

According to Norwitz and Schorge (2010), women experience menopause in a universal manner, as all bodily signs and symptoms are influenced by factors such as an ageing endocrine system leading to decline in ovarian function, a decrease in estrogen that causes hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. However, the actual experience and attitude of women on menopause is individualistic. The attitude of women is ominously influenced by sociocultural factors – race, culture and ethnicity – as well as multicultural factors (Rapaport 2015)

 1.2 Problem of Statement

The key problems associated with menopause are physical, hormonal and mental changes that negatively impact women’s lives and relationships with others (Northrup et al, 2016). This stage of life can bring with it many undesired healthcare challenges that adversely impact a woman’s emotional well- being (Northrup et al., 2016).

During my community internship, in the upper Muea health area, I experience a situation where by a woman age 43years having a 5year old son, still hoping to conceive again but was unable. She also mentioned a list of her health worries, including difficulties in conception and no menstruation for consecative two months in a row which she attributed to witch craft. upon examining her symptoms, she presented with hot flashes as explained, vigina driness and insomnia. At this point, it was clear that she has no knowledge of age related menopause. So, for this the investigator decided to find out about women’s knowledge on menopause syndrome, its effects and management in the Muea community of south west region Cameroon.

1.3 Objectives

1.3.1 General objective

To assess women’s knowledge on menopausal syndrome its effects and management age 40-60 in the Muea Community South West Region Cameroon.

1.3.2 Specific objectives

1. To assess women’s knowledge (40-60 years) on menopause age in the muea community.
2. To investigate women’s knowledge (40-60 years) on the signs and symptoms of menopause in the muea community.
3. To ascertain women’s knowledge (40-60 years) on the management of menopause syndrome in the muea community.

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