Determining The Risk Factors of Post-Menopausal Bleeding: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i1.117Keywords:
Post-menopausal bleeding, risk factors, screening, obesity, metabolic disordersAbstract
Introduction
Post-menopausal bleeding (PMB) is a significant clinical symptom that warrants thorough evaluation due to its potential association with malignancies. This study aims to assess the socio-demographic, reproductive, and medical risk factors linked to PMB among post-menopausal women attending a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, India.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 post-menopausal women aged over 50 years. Data were collected using structured interviews and medical records. Parameters such as age, BMI, education, employment, parity, menstrual hygiene, chronic conditions, reproductive infections, and Pap smear screening history were analyzed.
Results
The majority of participants (50%) were aged 50–59 years, with 64% being literate. A significant proportion (46%) were overweight or obese, and 60% had Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. High parity (≥4 full-term pregnancies) was observed in 80% of participants. A concerning 60% reported frequent reproductive infections, and only 60% had undergone Pap smear screening. PMB occurrence was highest within the first-year post-menopause, with 40% reporting a family history of the condition.
Conclusion
This study highlights obesity, metabolic disorders, high parity, and inadequate screening as key risk factors for PMB. The findings underscore the need for targeted awareness programs, improved healthcare accessibility, and enhanced screening efforts to facilitate early detection and management. Future research should explore longitudinal data to better understand PMB's etiology and prevention strategies.
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