Evaluating menopause knowledge among Indian youth to promote empathy and support for menopausal women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Menopause knowledge amongst youth is crucial for improving health literacy, reducing stigma, and enhancing support for menopausal women. It is, hence, important in recognizing their role in shaping future societal attitudes. This study analyses menopause knowledge of Indian youth, with the aim of promoting sensitization and empathy towards women’s experiences during this critical life phase. By addressing the knowledge gaps and gender disparities in menopause awareness, this research aims to inform the development of targeted interventions that foster supportive communication and reduce the silent suffering of women. For this, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 346 Indian youths in Nagpur, Maharashtra, using a questionnaire to assess their menopause knowledge and social support. Data analyses involved descriptive statistics to summarize demographics and knowledge levels, while inferential techniques like Chi-square, t-tests, and ANOVA were used to identify associations with demographic variables. Descriptive qualitative analysis of qualitative responses identified key themes, offering deeper insights into menopause awareness and social support. The results of the survey revealed that respondents having a relation with women experiencing menopause showed significantly higher knowledge scores compared to those without any relation with menopausal women (p-value = 0.002). Further analysis confirmed that females tend to have higher knowledge scores compared to males (p-value = 0.001). However, despite their limited knowledge, the youth showed a remarkable enthusiasm to learn more about menopause. Findings of the study suggest that education and awareness initiatives can help cultivate empathetic and supportive environments that mitigate debilitating symptoms of menopause, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of menopausal women.