Unveiling men’s knowledge on women’s menopause: Insights and predictors focused on urban Bangladesh
1
Public Health, Independent University, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
2
Public Health, Northern Uniuversity Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
3
Public Health, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
As a natural biological transition in women's health, menopause often brings physical, psychological, and social changes. In patriarchal societies like Bangladesh, men play a key role in household decisions and health-seeking behaviors. However, little is known about their understanding of menopause, which may affect the emotional and healthcare support provided to women. This study assessed men’s knowledge regarding menopause and explored its predictors in the urban Bangladeshi context.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional quantitative study employed 200 adult men (≥18 years) residing in five randomly selected areas of Dhaka city. Sample selection was conducted using systematic random sampling, and the data were collected via a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Knowledge was measured across several components, including symptoms, causes, consequences, and supportive behaviors, and categorized as “good” (≥50%) or “poor” (<50%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and a binary logistic regression was performed to identify significant predictors of poor knowledge of menopause.
RESULTS:
Among 200 respondents, 66% demonstrated poor overall knowledge regarding menopause. Level of education, income, and duration of marriage were strongly associated with their knowledge level. After model adjustment, lower educational status (AOR = 3.79; 95% CI: 1.58–9.08), shorter marital duration (<20 years) (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.28–8.14), and lower monthly income (<252 USD) (AOR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.12–5.49) were identified as significant predictors of poor knowledge.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is alarming that the urban Bangladeshi men possess limited awareness of women’s menopause, particularly those with less education and a lower level of income. Targeted health education and awareness programs for men are crucial to enhance empathy, strengthen family support, and improve women’s reproductive health outcomes during menopause.
As a natural biological transition in women's health, menopause often brings physical, psychological, and social changes. In patriarchal societies like Bangladesh, men play a key role in household decisions and health-seeking behaviors. However, little is known about their understanding of menopause, which may affect the emotional and healthcare support provided to women. This study assessed men’s knowledge regarding menopause and explored its predictors in the urban Bangladeshi context.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional quantitative study employed 200 adult men (≥18 years) residing in five randomly selected areas of Dhaka city. Sample selection was conducted using systematic random sampling, and the data were collected via a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Knowledge was measured across several components, including symptoms, causes, consequences, and supportive behaviors, and categorized as “good” (≥50%) or “poor” (<50%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and a binary logistic regression was performed to identify significant predictors of poor knowledge of menopause.
RESULTS:
Among 200 respondents, 66% demonstrated poor overall knowledge regarding menopause. Level of education, income, and duration of marriage were strongly associated with their knowledge level. After model adjustment, lower educational status (AOR = 3.79; 95% CI: 1.58–9.08), shorter marital duration (<20 years) (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.28–8.14), and lower monthly income (<252 USD) (AOR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.12–5.49) were identified as significant predictors of poor knowledge.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is alarming that the urban Bangladeshi men possess limited awareness of women’s menopause, particularly those with less education and a lower level of income. Targeted health education and awareness programs for men are crucial to enhance empathy, strengthen family support, and improve women’s reproductive health outcomes during menopause.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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