MENOPAUSAL KNOWLEDGE AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study determined menopausal knowledge among in-school adolescents in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state. Cross sectional survey research design was employed. The population for the study consisted of all the 13,043 in-school adolescents in public secondary schools in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state. A sample of 388 adolescents drawn using Taro Yamane formula was used for the study. Multi stage sampling procedure was used to select the sample. The instrument used to collect data was researcher structured questionnaire titled Menopausal Knowledge Questionnaire (MKQ). Analysis was by the use of SPSS version 22. Frequencies and percentages were used to answer the research questions. Results showed that there is generally high level of menopausal knowledge (64.0%) among in-school adolescents in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State. Respondents aged 20-24 years demonstrated higher knowledge (72.0%) followed by those aged 16-19 years (63.6%) while those aged 12-15 demonstrated the least knowledge (62.9%). Those in SSIII had higher knowledge (67.7%), followed by SSII (66.0%) while those in SSI had the least knowledge (61.9%). Following from the findings, the researchers recommended that information on all aspects of menopause including concepts, signs and symptoms and management should be given to in- school adolescents by their teachers (health educators) so as to increase their knowledge on menopause and position them to correct certain misconceptions on the subject matter.