Perception of menopause among women of Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract Background Various factors, including menopausal status, educational and social background, culture, physical emotional health, may influence women’s perceptions of menopause. This study documents the elements influencing attitudes towards menopause among women in Sarawak, Malaysia. Methods A face-to-face interview using a validated questionnaire was conducted with 324 Sarawakian aged 40–65 to determine mean age experiences these women. Results The ± standard deviation 51.37 5.91 years. Ninety (27.8%) participants were premenopausal, 124 (38.5%) perimenopausal 110 (33.7%) postmenopausal. majority (228; 70.4%) local indigenous inhabitants Sarawak. findings show that 22.5% agreed problems during are natural process. While 21.9% suggested should be treated medically, 32.3% argued approaches for symptoms better than hormonal treatments. Seventy-five per cent absence menses after is relief; meanwhile, 61.2% stated causes unpleasant symptoms. Notably, 51.7% not sure whether become less sexually attractive menopause, 51.1% uncertain as they feel woman following Finally, 81.7% unsure if sexual activity more enjoyable 71.9% changes life stressful. Among different stages, premenopausal group noted have positive compared peri- postmenopausal also observed background generally had Conclusions this found correspond those other studies on Asian Women higher levels education comparatively expressed opinions regarding Lastly, most unpleasant, but relief.