OUR SURVEY
Report – Black Menopause Survey | Produced for Efficacy Eva
by Researcher/Consultant: Caroline C. Ravello
Background
The UK-based researcher/organisation Efficacy Eva has embarked on a survey to gather information in an area of study with insufficient evidence - Black Menopause. The survey aimed at gathering information to better prepare for the understanding of this phenomenon and for evidentiary support to create appropriate support and interventions for the Black community.
Methods
Using a qualitative research approach, an 18-question self-reporting knowledge, attitude, belief and perception (KAPB) questionnaire was developed as the instrument of measurement. This comprised both closed and open-ended questions distributed in online format using an online survey generator and employing three collection streams from website, email and social media. The survey period ran from July 1, to August 6, 2020. Data were then collated and analysed.
Results
Respondents (134) were located in various countries – UK, US, Caribbean territories, and Africa. The average age of those who reported as pre-, peri- or postmenopausal was 55 years within an age range 36 ≥ 73 years old, with a reported high level of knowledge of the issue. The most mentioned issues among all responses overall were that of “Hot flushes”, which was among the top three most-experienced symptoms which also included “Weight Gain” and “Difficulty Sleeping.”
Conclusion
The study indicates a high knowledge of menopause and, that among the many issues, Hot Flushes was the most evident in the sample. More information and education is needed on HRT as an intervention for menopause, but beliefs, behaviour and perceptions in this sample seemed proportional to the literature. Despite robust expressions about the pitfalls of menopause, attitudes to menopause stood out as a positive experience overall.
Knowledge of Menopause:
Asked to rank their knowledge level about menopause the majority of respondents, 77 (61.11%) of the 126 who answered this question said they are “Fairly knowledgeable” and 28 (22.22%) said “Very knowledgeable” accounting for a high percentage (83.33%) of knowledge in this sample. 18 (14.29%) claimed to have little knowledge and 3 (2.38%) responded as “Experts.”
Health-Seeking Behaviour:
Respondents were asked to specifically indicate if they had a visit to a healthcare provider for the purpose of menopause symptoms (Q9) “Have you visited, or are you currently visiting a healthcare provider for your menopausal symptoms?” to which 82.81% (106) of 128 said “No”.
Advice on Intervention
Respondents were asked what advice for interventions was given to them by a healthcare provider for the symptoms of menopause. The following are the results for those who found relevancy.
Among the 74 respondents to the types of intervention, “Exercise & fitness regime” was prescribed to 26 (35.13%), the leading recommendation by HCPs. This was followed by “Eating for change/ Diet or Nutrition” at 24.32% (18) and Hormone Replacement Therapy at 22.97% or 17 respondents.
Of the 13 respondents who chose to specify or qualify by selecting “Other”, three respondents said they did their own intervention, one of which was doing everything already suggested. Other suggestions by HCPs were treatment for hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases and “nothing” in the instance of at least 4 respondents. One respondent was offered “a multivitamin and primrose” as alternative care.