A cross-sectional study for assessment of menopausal symptoms and coping strategies among Jordanian women of 40-60 years age group

Abstract

Background: Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Understanding the prevalence of menopausal symptoms and the strategies of coping with them is crucial for developing targeted interventions that address their unique needs. Methods: This cross-sectional study targeted the Jordanian women aged 40-60 through online questionnaire during January 2023-June 2023. The menopause rating scale (MRS) was utilized to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms, including somatic, psychological, and urogenital domains. Results: The study included a total of 309 successfully completed participations by women from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds in Jordan. The analysis revealed a high prevalence of menopausal symptoms among the participants. The severity of symptoms varied; moderate to severe symptoms, were appreciable across the various domains. The coping strategies employed by the participants were multifaceted. Unfortunately, a proportion of participants admitted to using ineffective coping mechanisms, such as tobacco and excessive caffeine consumption. In general, the study revealed that there is an evident shortage in the overall awareness among women. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the necessity of comprehensive interventions to enhance the well-being of women and consequently the society. The qualitative and the quantitative aspects of the study shall contribute valuable perceptions to both of the academia and the authorized healthcare institutes.