Experiences of menopause by women in Zambia

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of menopause among Zambian women in four Provinces; Lusaka, Copperbelt, Luapula and Eastern provinces. The sites for the study were; Katete, Luanshya, Nchelenge and Lusaka. The objectives of the study were achieved and the researcher rejected the hypothesis which "states that there is no relationship between knowledge on menopause and coping strategies among women in menopause."A descriptive quantitative non-interventional study design was used for this study to investigate the experiences of menopause among Zambian women aged 55 years and above. In the study the subjects were selected using simple random sampling. The data collected was analysed using social statistic package for social scientists (SPSS). Data were collected from 200 respondents using a structured interview schedule. The study revealed that a higher percentage of women 75% (149) were of the view that menopausal health care services should be provided to help those with problems to lead a comfortable life. 144 (72%) of the respondents said that they had knowledge on menopause. 128 (64%) of the respondents considered menopause as a normal life event. The study findings revealed that menopausal women were experiencing a variety of effects. 119 (59%) said that it affected their social life because of their moods, general body pains, urination problems and also affected their engagement in activities of daily living. 120 (60%) of the respondents said that they were bothered by hot flashes and did not know how to manage them. 116 (58%) of the respondents said that for the many menopausal symptoms they suffered, they did not use any remedies. 149 (75%) of respondents expressed the need for menopausal health care services to be provided in the health care facilities because they needed to learn more on menopausal symptoms from health care providers and receive some treatment. 180 (90%) said that menopausal women could increase their knowledge on menopause through health education from health care providers while 1 (0.5%) said that knowledge could be increased through advice from traditional healers. The study has shown a relationship between knowledge on menopause and coping strategies. The study has also shown that Zambian women suffer from menopausal symptoms silently and most of them did not know whether there were any remedies available in the health care facilities. More attention should be paid towards health education of women on matters relating to menopause. Menopausal health services should be provided at all levels of care.