Knowledge, attitude and practice about reproductive health of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in Shanghai: a cross-sectional and intervention study

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in relation to reproductive health among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in Shanghai, and to attempt to improve their KAP with interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 3320 women aged 45-75 years from four districts of Shanghai with a self-administered questionnaire to assess their KAP about reproductive health, and then, randomly divided these women into intervention and control groups. Health education lectures, health counseling and health-related booklets were provided to women in intervention group while nothing to control group. A month later, the KAP of both groups were reassessed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Result: Participants had better KAP in menopausal syndrome and genital tract inflammation, but a worse understanding about hysteromyoma and human papilloma virus. They also had lower scores in aspects of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Compared with control group, participants from the intervention group had better knowledge and attitude, but did not statistical significantly improve their practice through these interventions. Conclusion: More attention should be paid on pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence, and participants with lower income and education warranted more attention.