A CORRELATIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE PROBLEMS OF PRE-MENOPAUSE AND COPING STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY WOMEN RESIDING IN A SELECTED URBAN COMMUNITY

Pre-menopause is a transitional phase in a woman’s life marked by physiological and psychological changes due to hormonal fluctuations. The present study aimed to assess the problems of pre-menopause and the coping strategies adopted by women residing in a selected urban community and to determine the correlation between the severity of pre-menopausal problems and coping strategies. A quantitative research approach with a descriptive correlational design was adopted. The study was conducted among 120 women aged 40–50 years in a selected urban community. A structured questionnaire was used to assess demographic variables, a Pre-Menopausal Symptom Rating Scale was used to assess problems, and a Coping Strategy Checklist was used to assess coping strategies. The findings revealed that 52% of women experienced moderate problems, 28% experienced severe problems, and 20% had mild problems. A statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.62, p < 0.05) was found between severity of symptoms and coping strategies adopted. The study concluded that women experiencing higher levels of pre-menopausal problems tend to adopt more coping strategies. Health education and supportive counseling are recommended to improve coping mechanisms among pre-menopausal women.