Abstract

Menopause is becoming an increasingly important aspect of women’s health. This aim of this study was to determine the socio-demographic characters of menopausal women and the therapeutic value of multivitamin in reducing emerging symptoms. This is an intervention study of menopausal women aged 40 years and above who are helping as a child care giver in Ilorin metropolis. Information on their socio-demographic characteristics and symptoms experienced was obtained with the aid of a questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 57.2 ± 1.2 years. Moslems constituted 72.5% of the women, while 27.5% were Christians. Nearly all (80.9%) were of the Yoruba ethnic group. Amongst the women, 52.8% had formal education, 65.7% were married and most belonged to one or more social groups. Vasomotor symptoms, such as internal heat/hot flushes was common among the study group of 54 (30.3%), while the control was 44 (27.2%), night sweats was high in the study group, 51 (28.7%). Post-intervention analysis showed that respondents became more conscious of signs/symptoms of menopause with hot flushes/internal heat, weakness/tiredness and insomnia being the most common complaints. This change in reported symptoms was statistically significant for the study group (P = 0.041296), unlike the control group where it was not significant (P = 0.558667) for the study and control groups. Multivitamins and health education are good therapeutic values in reducing menopausal symptoms; thus, they assist women in taking care of their grand children. It is important to take these factors into account when planning health strategies to improve the lives of these women.

Key words: Menopause, therapeutic value, emerging symptoms, multivitamin, child care giver.