DEMOGRAPHIC AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AMONG AGING WOMEN IN OWERRI MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AREA OF IMO STATE

Maria Cherechi Asodike, Julia Ibebuike, Bright Ohale, Eleonu Priscilla Chinedu, Gloria Eberechukwu Echendu, Scholastica Ngozi Naze and Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu*

ABSTRACT

This study was done to determine the demographic and socio-economic factors that influence menopausal symptoms among aging women in Owerri Municipal Council Area, Imo State. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. A sample size of 400 women aged 42 – 65 years was drawn from the population of 8,350 aging women resident in Owerri Municipal Council Area using yaro Yamane formula. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents finally used for the study. Data obtained were analyzed with the aid of Statistical Software Package for Social Science (SPSS) 21.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted. Probability less than 0.05). Based on the findings, it is recommended that awareness be created on the phenomena so as to increase women’s knowledge for a better approach in dealing with menopausal symptoms. Support groups should be created for interaction and counseling. This will help to keep open the channels of communication in sharing information that will help the aging women go through menopause. The need for the menopausal women to maintain healthy lifestyle cannot be overemphasized as it will help them to cope better with menopause and its challenges.

Keywords: Demographic, socio-economic factors, menopausal symptoms, aging women.