KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND SELF-CARE MANAGEMENT OF MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AMONG MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, NIGERIA: A COMMUNITY BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction: Menopause is a natural biological transition characterized by the permanent cessation of menstruation, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55 years. Despite its significance, menopause remains underrecognized in many low- and middle-income settings, where limited awareness and socio-cultural factors may negatively affect women's health and quality of life. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and self-care management of menopausal symptoms among middle-aged women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria.

Methodology: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 115 middle-aged women aged 40-60 years in selected Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T), Nigeria. Participants were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of menopausal symptoms, attitudes toward menopause, and selfcare management practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations.

Results: The mean knowledge score was 10.49 ± 4.56 out of a maximum of 20. More than half of the respondents (53.9%) demonstrated moderate knowledge, while 35.7% had low knowledge and 10.4% had good knowledge. The mean attitude score was 40.08 ± 3.35, with the majority of participants (55.7%) exhibiting a negative attitude toward menopause. The mean self-care score was 23.82 ± 3.76 out of 80, and all respondents (100%) demonstrated poor selfcare management practices.

Conclusion: The study revealed moderate knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor self-care practices regarding menopause among middle-aged women in the FCT. These findings highlight the need for targeted health education and community-based interventions to improve awareness, promote positive attitudes, and enhance self-care practices among women in this population.