Previous studies on menopause often focused on the national, state, and urban samples. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding menopausal issues of women living in a rural area. A convenience sample of 209 women from Northern Maine was surveyed. Out of total sample, 54% were between 40-50 years old and the rest were over 50. Sixty-eight percent were married, 86% Caucasian, 10% Native Americans, and 95% had high school or higher degree. A 103-item questionnaire was developed on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) issues. The results indicated that half of the women were unaware of the effect of smoking on the onset of menopause. A significant number of women (30 -97%) did not know the effect of menopause on the incidence of heart disease, cancer of the gallbladder, urinary incontinence, vaginal thickness, vision, and frequent bacterial infection. Although most women knew about HRT they had very little knowledge about its specific benefits and risks. About 50 to 59 % reported that they would gladly take HRT for different health reasons but 37% of them were anxious because of its unknown long-term effects. The majority (90%) did not believe that menopause is an illness. However, they agreed that education about menopause is extremely important for both men and women. Based on these findings, a series of recommendations for education programs and service delivery will be presented.
Learning Objectives: The participants of this session will: 1. receive extensive information on the knowledge level, attitudes, and behaviors of rural women regarding menopause and hormone replacement therapy; 2. gather a series of recommendations for the community health education and service delivery; 3. develop knowledge and skills regarding the survey tool and procedure to conduct community based survey that ensures maximum participation of the target sample; 4. develop a list of community resources (both local and national) that may facilitate similar study with minimum funding; 5. acquire valuable data (secondary data) that may help either develop education programs and provide services or gather primary data for their community on their own by using or modifying the model/tool presented at the session
Keywords: Women's Health, Rural Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.