What do Spanish men know about menopause?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge men have about menopause and to analyze whether sociodemographic aspects influence this knowledge.

Methods: A total of 560 consecutive surveys were collected during 2019. Surveys were completed by men anonymously, voluntarily, and without incentives. A maximum score of 45 points was considered for the knowledge analysis.

Results: The mean age was 49.13 ± 11.1 years. The most frequent source of information to obtain knowledge about menopause was friends (61.4%). The mean of the questionnaire score was 20.69 ± 6.1 (R: 0-45). The most frequent symptoms associated with menopause were hot flashes and vaginal dryness (93.7%; 48%) and the best-known treatment to improve vaginal health was lubricants at 69.5%. The most common treatment men knew for improving menopause symptoms was menopause hormone treatment; however, 27.9% of men thought there is no treatment for menopause. Differences were found between ages in numbers and grades (P = 0.032). Men with a higher level of education had significantly more knowledge than those with primary school education (P = 0.016). Differences were shown in men who obtained information from healthcare staff with respect to other sources (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The level of knowledge in men in this sample is limited. Differences were found between ages, level of education, and sources of information. No differences were found between public and private hospitals. Teaching of this knowledge should be carried out by trained personnel, preferably healthcare staff.