Factors influencing health practices of postmenopausal women in a selected rural community of Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka

Abstract

Introduction: Although menopause is a universal phenomenon, there is a considerable variation among women regarding the age of attaining menopause and the manifestation of menopausal signs and symptoms.

Aim and objective: To determine the factors influencing health practices of postmenopausal women in a selected rural community.

Material and methods: Eighty postmenopausal rural women were selected randomly. Descriptive design was used. A 3-point rating scale was administered to collect the data.

Result: All the factors – awareness, personal, family, and socioeconomic – were moderately contributing to the health practices of postmenopausal women (mean %=39.75, 45.5, 65, and 58.25, respectively), out of which family factors were striking. Eighty-three percent lacked knowledge regarding diseases of body and mind. All expressed fear to know about their diagnosis. Eighty-six percent expressed having no time for health maintenance. Sixty-seven percent felt lazy to do exercises. All wished to remain active and healthy throughout their life. Eighty-six percent said they would bother more about their children’s health than their own. All expressed financial difficulties for health screening and dietary modification.

Conclusion: The new phase of life can be busy and fulfilling as one would like to make it. Women should stay active physically as well as mentally.

Keywords: Factors influencing, health practices, postmenopausal, rural community.