title: Patterns of menopausal symptoms and adaptive ability in a rural population in South-east Nigeria.
abstract: We set out to assess menopausal symptoms and the adaptability to them in a Nigerian population. This was a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire and supplemented with focus group discussion carried out on a rural postmenopausal population in South-east Nigeria. Data were analysed using the epi Info version 3.3.2. Data from 186 were analysed. The mean age of women at the time of interview was 49.6+/-6.3 years. Mean and median ages at menopause were 45.47+/-5.5 years and 47 years, respectively. The major symptoms at menopause were: hot flushes 36 (58.1%), sweating 25 (40.3%), urinary frequency 24 (38.7%), vaginal dryness, discomfort or discharge 22 (35.5%), lack of concentration 17 (27.4%) and irritability 15 (24.2%). Widowhood and the empty nest syndrome but not educational attainment imparted negatively on the ability of the women to cope with the menopausal symptoms. Menopausal symptoms are a health concern to the Christian population in South-east Nigeria. Doctors working in this environment should utilise the opportunity of clinical consultation to raise and discuss these symptoms with postmenopausal women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
authors.forename: U M
authors.initials: UM
authors.lastname: Agwu
authors.forename: O U J
authors.initials: OU
authors.lastname: Umeora
authors.forename: B N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Ejikeme
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D011141:Polyuria / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires