MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AND WORK PERFORMANCE

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the relationship between menopausal symptoms and service delivery among menopausal women in Edo State civil service in Benin City, Edo State. Two research questions and one hypothesis were raised for the study. The population comprised of 268 women from which a sample of 166 was selected. A correlational  research design was adopted for the study. Standardized research instruments; Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) and Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (HRQL) were used as instruments for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency count and simple percentage) and inferential statistics (Spearman Rho and Chi-Square) and hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed that majority (89.8%) had moderate symptoms, common symptoms experienced was hot flash. (66.3%) 82.5% had low impairment/good work performance and 74.1% had low utilization of health services during official hours. There was positive correlation between menopausal symptoms and utilization of health services (.233) and it was significant at 0.05 level of significance ( = 0.03). Menopausal symptoms was positively correlated with work performance (.229) and was significant at 0.05 level of significance ( = 0.04). Marital status and educational qualification were significantly associated with work performance.The study concluded that menopausal symptom had no negative influence on work performance but was associated with utilization of health service during office hours. It recommended that nursing professionals should consider community outreaches where larger and diverse individuals are engaged and enlightened about menopausal symptoms and how to manage it, menopausal women should ensure to seek information and counsel in other for them to better understand how menopausal symptoms affect their health and productivity.