Severe menopausal symptoms and associated factors among post-menopausal women in Ambo town, West Shewa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Post-menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months at the age of 45 to 55 years. Post-menopausal women all over the world suffer from symptoms associated with menopause. Despite the fact that the population of menopausal women in Ethiopia is growing in parallel with their life expectancy, little is known about the severity and factors associated with menopausal symptoms among post-menopausal women. While previous studies in Ethiopia have primarily focused on the prevalence of severe menopausal symptoms, they have not thoroughly explored the underlying factors that may influence the severity of these symptoms. As a result, the specific factors that contribute to the severity of menopausal symptoms in Ethiopian women remain largely uninvestigated, leaving an important knowledge gap in this area. Therefore, this study was intended to assess severe menopausal symptoms and associated factors among post-menopausal women in Ambo town. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 3 to September 3, 2022, in Ambo town. The source population encompassed all post-menopausal women residing in Ambo Town. From this broader group, the study population was all post-menopausal women living in the three selected kebeles (the smallest administrative unit of Ethiopia). The sampling unit for this study was the household with post-menopausal women. A simple random sampling method was employed using computer-generated random numbers using the sampling frame taken from the conducted preliminary survey. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were entered using Epi Info version 7.1 and exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Bivariate analysis was used to examine individual relationships between independent variables and severe menopausal symptoms. Multivariable analysis then evaluated the combined impact of independent variables on severe menopausal symptoms while controlling for confounding factors, offering a comprehensive understanding of the factors that significantly influence symptom severity. Odds ratios with 95% Cl were estimated to identify the associated factors of the outcome variables, and statistical significance was affirmed at a p-value ≤ 0.05. This study showed that one hundred thirty-three participants (30.4%), with a 95% CI (26.2%–35%), experienced severe menopausal symptoms during the past month. Age greater than 60 years [AOR = 3.2, 95% CI (1.3, 7.7)], not performing physical activity [AOR = 2.1, 95% CI (1.1, 4.4)], consuming alcohol [AOR = 1.8, 95% CI (1.1, 3.1), unfavorable attitude towards menopause [AOR = 1.8, 95% CI (1.1, 3.0)], and BMI > 29.9 kg/m2 [AOR = 6.1, 95% CI (2.7, 14.2)] were associated with severe menopause symptoms. According to this study, one in three postmenopausal women experienced severe menopausal symptoms. In conclusion, several factors were significantly associated with severe menopausal symptoms. Positive predictors of severe menopausal symptoms include; age over 60 years, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, unfavorable attitudes towards menopause, and a BMI greater than 29.9 kg/m2. These results highlight the role of both lifestyle behaviors and individual characteristics in determining the severity of menopausal symptoms. Therefore, we recommend implementing targeted support programs specifically for post-menopausal women. Promoting regular physical activity through tailored exercise programs and reducing alcohol consumption through education and counseling are essential. Additionally, educational interventions should aim to foster a positive attitude towards menopause. Weight management strategies, including both nutrition and exercise, should be prioritized for post-menopausal women with a BMI greater than 29.9 kg/m2.