Perceptions Of Menopause And Postmenopausal Bleeding In Women Of Chandigarh, India

Objective: To ascertain the knowledge about menopause and postmenopausal bleeding in women of urban and slum area of Chandigarh, India Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Chandigarh, India. Systematic random sampling was used. The study population comprised of women above 40 years and resident of study area. Results: Out of total 528 women interviewed, 302 (56.1) were residing in urban area and rest were the residents of slums. 78.8%, urban and 60.2% from slums have attained menopause. Majority (70.3%) of urban residents have heard about menopause as compared to 30.9% in slums. The most common menopausal symptom was vaginal irritation / discharge (42.7%). Less than half of females (38.7%) ever took treatment for menopausal symptoms. Calcium supplements were taken by majority63%. 7.7% females complained of PMB out of which 13(44.8%) had it after intercourse. Only 2(28.6) women got their pap smear done after being suggested by doctor and they were from urban area only. Conclusion: Our study highlights that there is lack of awareness regarding menopause and related aspects especially PMB in both urban and slum population