Summary:
Women’s health is a global concern now a days. Studies on
issues relating to menopause is lacking Bangladesh and
those been conducted mainly focus on physical and
psychological symptoms around the time of menopause.
This cross sectional study was done to explore the
sociomedical context and nutritional characteristics of a
group of women approaching menopause
A total 106 women aged 45-60 years attending Gynae
outpatient department of a tertiary hospital between March-
May, 2013 was interviewed using structured questionnaire
after obtaining informed written consent. Height and weight
was measured using standardized procedure. Data analysed
using SPSS.
Mean age was 50.3± 5.3 years, about 75.5% were between
45-50 years, 85.1% had more than 2 children and 72.6%
had history of Abortion. Mean age at menopause 44.65 ±
6.4 years, range 32-58 yrs. Mean BMI was 25± 4.2 and
43.4% were overweight or Obese. Chronic illness like
hypertension and arthritis was present in (15.09%) and
diabetes mellitus in 10.3% . The family relationship with
children was good in 78.09%, husband was reported caring
in 72.3% and 2.8% receive abusive behavior from husband.
Only 8.5% were self earning, 24.5% and & 17.9% were
dependent on children and husband respectively.
With increasing life expectancy and improvements of health
care services there is greater chance of survival for a women
beyond menopause. Sociocultural and medical
characteristics of midlife women is important to explore
their specific health needs. Ensuring quality of life for this
special group of women will help to better utilize their
potential for development of the country.
Key words: Medico-social profile, Menopause, menopausal
transition, quality of life, social context, nutrition.
(J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2017; 35: 179-183)