Health-Seeking Behaviors in Women with Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Implications of Patient Education and Management Practices

Aim & Background: Health seeking behavior (HSB) among women with Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) constitute actions taken to find a treatment and improve wellness. The HSB can include seeking information about their health issues to assist in decision making. Ailments like GSM present vary in signs and symptoms, emphasizing the need to integrate effective health related education to manage these symptoms. Methodology: This study mainly focuses on assessing the HSB of women with GSM within the context of Turkey. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical faculty in Turkey. The sample comprised 200 women, aged between 18 to 80 years, all of whom were experiencing GSM. The data was collected through a questionnaire which focused on demographics of the participants, prevalence and severity of menopause symptoms, and health-seeking behaviors of participants. The EPI INFO version 6.04d software was used for data analysis. Results: The results showed both physical and mental signs and symptoms: 90 of the participants suffered from vaginal dryness; 70 participants suffered from mental exhaustion; 50% of the women were found taking patent drugs; while 40% of the women consulted health workers; 30% of the women consulted traditional healers for their remedies; and 20% of the women did nothing. Conclusion: In conclusion, the women with GSM need to incorporate effective health-seeking behaviors in order to manage the health symptoms effectively. This study can encourage healthcare professionals to formulate remedial strategies. Future research can focus on the role of socio-cultural characteristics, lifestyle and hormonal changes, in influencing women with GSM.