Association between Menopause-related Knowledge, Attitude, Coping Practices, and Perceived Stress among Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-sectional Study
Shatavisa Mukherjee, Siddhartha Roy, Sunetra Sharma, Shambo Samrat Samajdar, Prabhat Kumar Aggarwal, Ruchika Garg
A
BSTRACT
Background:
Menopause is a natural transition, but poor understanding of symptoms, negative perceptions, and limited coping practices may increase perceived stress among postmenopausal women. This study aimed to assess menopause-related knowledge, attitude and coping practices, and determine their association with perceived stress among postmenopausal women.
Methods:
A community-based, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 postmenopausal women aged 45–65 years. Data were collected using a structured Knowledge, Attitude and Practice questionnaire, and the Perceived Stress Scale-10. Sociodemographic and reproductive variables were also recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression.
Results:
The mean age of the participants was 56.2 ± 5.8 years. Good menopause-related knowledge was observed in 38.3% of women, favorable attitude in 46.7%, and good coping practices in 34.2%. Moderate-to-high perceived stress was present in 61.7% of participants. Knowledge, attitude, and coping practice scores showed significant negative correlations with perceived stress. Poor coping practices, unfavorable attitude, low knowledge, low education, and severe menopausal symptoms were independently associated with higher perceived stress.
Conclusion:
Better menopause-related knowledge, favorable attitude, and healthier coping practices were associated with lower perceived stress among postmenopausal women. Integrating menopause education, counseling, and stress screening into primary healthcare may improve psychological well-being in this population.