Knowledge and beliefs about menopause in a general population sample of mid-aged women

Abstract

Knowledge of and attitude to menopause, locus of control of menopause experience, and perceived seriousness of and susceptibility to menopause-related problems were assessed in a sample of 45‐year old women, recruited from five general practices (n = 106, response rate 60%). Overall, the level of awareness of current information about menopause was low and did not relate strongly to beliefs, which were multi-faceted and complex. More-highly educated women were less likely to believe in the external locus of control of menopause experience, but level of education was not a factor in other beliefs and knowledge. White British women obtained higher knowledge scores than other ethnic groups and this was not confounded by level of education. Overall health status and gynaecological factors were unrelated to knowledge and beliefs, but current symptom state was positively associated with perceived susceptibility to menopause-related problems. On the whole, the different types of beliefs assessed were not strongly related, suggesting that women may use different constructions about menopause in different contexts. Future research may benefit from assessing knowledge and a range of different types of beliefs, which may relate to different aspects of experience and behaviour relating to menopause. Suggestions for educative interventions for menopause are put forward.