ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitude of women towards menopausal symptoms in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. In order to accomplish this purpose, four specific objectives were formulated and corresponding research questions were posed to guide the study. One null hypothesis was postulated for testing. The descriptive study design was adopted for the study. The total sample size for the study was 396 women. A self developed, validated structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages were used for data analyses. The hypothesis was tested with Chi-Square (X2). The result revealed that most of the respondents 182 (46.0%) had good knowledge of menopausal symptoms, 106 (26.8%) respondents had moderate knowledge of menopausal symptoms, while 108(27.3%) had poor knowledge of menopausal symptoms. The majority 225 (56.8%) of the respondents were menopausal/postmenopausal, 82 (20.7%) were premenopausal and 89 (22.5%) were perimenopausal. Menopausal/postmenopausal symptoms varied among the women, however the most common symptom experienced by majority were unusual tiredness 112(49.8%), weight gain 191(94.9%) and hair thinning among 186 (82.7%). Majority of the respondents 243 (61.0%) had unfavourable attitude while 153 (39.0%) had favourable attitude toward menopausal symptoms. Significant relationship was found between women’s knowledge and attitude towards menopausal symptoms. This was so because the calculated Chi-square (X) 2 value of 16.3 is more than the tabulated X2 value of 5.991. The null hypothesis was rejected. It was recommended among others that improving the knowledge of the women regarding menopausal symptoms should be supported through incorporating the topic in educational curriculum. As long as the women receive sufficient knowledge of menopause and quality education they can positively perceive and have positive attitude to menopause.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE                                                                                                 i

CERTIFICATION                                                                                         ii

DEDICATION                                                                                               iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS                                                                           iv

ABSTRACT                                                                                                   v

TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                                               vi

LIST OF FIGURES                                                                                      vii

LIST OF TABLES                                                                                        viii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

1.2 Statement of problem

1.3 Purpose of study

1.4 Specific objectives

1.5 Research questions

1.6 Research hypothesis

1.7 Scope of study

1.8 Significant of the study

1.9    Limitations of the study

1.10 Operational definitions

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Conceptual review

2.1.1    Menopause

2.1.2    Classification of menopause

2.1.2.1  Premenopause

2.1.2.2  Perimenopause or the menopausal transition

2.1.2.3 Postmenopause

2.1.3   Age at menopause

2.1.4   Attitude towards menopause

2.1.6   Knowledge of Menopause

2.2     Review of empirical studies

2.2.1. Women’s knowledge towards menopausal symptoms

2.2.2. Women’s attitudes towards menopausal symptoms

2.2.2. Perceptions of menopausal symptoms

2.3    Theoretical framework

2.3.1 The theory of reasoned action (TRA)

2.3.2  Application to the study

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.1. Research design

3.2. Research setting

3.3.  Research population

3.3.1.Target population

3.3.2.  Accessible population

3.4.   Sample and sampling technique

3.4.1  Sample          

3.4.2.   Sampling technique         

3.5. Instrument for data collection

3.5.1.   Validity of instrumentation

3.5.2.   Reliability of the instrument

3.6.      Method of data collection

3.7.      Procedure for data analysis

3.8.      Ethical consideration

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

4.1. Socio-demographic variables of the respondents

4.2 Results for the specific objectives.

4.2.1 Specific objective 1

4.2.2 Specific objective 2

4.2.3 Specific objective 3

4.2.4 Specific objective 4

4.3 Hypothesis testing

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

5.1       Discussion of Findings          

5.1.1. The level of knowledge of women towards menopausal symptoms

5.1.2 Menopausal status of women

5.1.3. The type of symptoms experienced by menopausal women

5.1.4. Attitude of women towards menopausal symptoms.

5.1.5 Relationship between women’s knowledge and attitude towards menopausal symptoms

5.2 Implications of the study to nursing

5.3 Summary of the study

5.4 Conclusion

5.5 Recommendations

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Theory of Reasoned Action

Figure 2: Bar chart showing the reproductive status of women

Figure 3: Pie chart showing attitude of women towards menopausal symptoms.

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1:  Socio-demographic variables of respondents

Table 2: Showing level of knowledge of women towards menopausal symptoms.

Table 3: Showing types of symptoms experienced by women

Table 4: Showing relationship women’s knowledge and attitude towards menopausal symptoms