Methodology: A semi-structured self administered questionnaire was administered to 326 postmenopausal women (aged, 57.01 ± 6.58 (SD) years) residing in the state of Kelantan. The subjects comprised of naturally menopaused, healthy women. Women with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension were not included. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the data using SPSS.

Findings: Mean age at menopause was 49.4 ± 3.4 (SD) years while both the mode and median were 50 years. The mode for the number of symptoms complained by each woman was 8 (range 0 - 16). The incidence of atypical symptoms was; tiredness (79.1%), reduced concentration (77.5%), musculo-skeletal aches (70.6%) and backache (67.7%). Night sweats (53%), headaches (49.4%) and hot flushes (44.7%) were the typical vasomotor symptoms, whereas mood swings (51%), sleep problems (45.1%), loneliness (41.1%), anxiety (39.8%), and crying spells (33.4%) were the main psychological symptoms. The percentage of women taking self-care action depended upon the symptom, and ranged from 47.7% for the reduced concentration to 100% for crying spells and anxiety. Their self-care actions included taking traditional medicine, alternative medicine, prescribed medication, being actively involved in community work, and having peer support and the choice was influenced by cultural, religious, educational and socio-economic factors

Conclusion: it appears that the menopausal symptoms experienced by women in Kelantan are somewhat similar to those experienced by women elsewhere, albeit, with differing frequencies. Majority of the women accepted menopause as the beginning of the aging process and resorted to numerous self-care actions to help see them through this transition.

Back to Women in Mid-Life
Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004