Prevalence of Menopausal Symptoms Using the Menopause Rating Scale in Middle-aged Women in Palembang: A Cross-sectional Study

Aims and background:The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of menopausal symptoms among individuals in the middleaged population attending Community Health Centers in Palembang City. Materials and methods:This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design and focuses on middle-aged patients at the Primary Health Center in Palembang.The study was done between July and December 2023.The sampling method was cluster sampling, resulting in 165 respondents from Sukarami Health Center, Plaju Health Center, and Tegal Binangun.Primary data were obtained through the distribution of the menopause rating scale (MRS) questionnaire.Results: From a total of 165 respondents from three Community Health Centers in Palembang, namely Sukarami, Plaju, and Tegal Binangun, 93.94% experienced menopausal symptoms.Further, out of the total respondents, 41.65% experienced somatic symptoms, with the most common being discomfort in joints and muscles at 64.8%.Psychological symptoms were the most prevalent among respondents, accounting for 69.7%, with physical and mental fatigue (including decreased memory) being the most reported at 60.6%.Urogenital symptoms were also common, experienced by 65.5% of respondents, with sexual issues reaching 50.9%.Despite this, 38.2% of respondents did not experience the effects of menopausal symptoms.Conclusion: Almost all middle-aged female patients experience menopausal symptoms, with psychological symptoms being the most commonly felt by the patients.Commonly experienced symptoms include discomfort in joints and muscles, physical and mental fatigue, as well as sexual issues.Clinical significance: All middle-aged female patients experience menopausal symptoms, with psychological symptoms being the most commonly felt by the patients.