Dr Mei Lin Teoh1, Clinical Associate Professor Rukshini Puvanendran
1KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
Biography:
Dr Teoh Mei Lin is Consultant Family Physician at Kandang Kerbau Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She is a clinician actively involved in the care of perimenopausal and menopausal women and related chronic conditions. She is an educator to undergraduate, post-graduate students and allied health. She believes in holistic health and tailors best care for each individual. Dr Teoh graduated from the National University Singapore and attained her post-graduate training in Family Medicine and Palliative care. She has practiced across a wide variety of care settings including primary care, community health and tertiary hospitals.
Abstract:
Background:
The aim of this survey was to explore confidence and satisfaction levels in general health, mental and social well-being, in a menopause interest group. Singapore is a rapidly aging society hence the importance to understand levels of confidence and satisfaction of menopausal women to address gaps in care.
Method:
The average age of the 13 participants was 53.7 years (range 46 to 68 years). A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 7 questions that identified age, and explored the women’s confidence and satisfaction levels in general well-being, social and mental well-being using a 5-point Likert scale.
Results:
46% (n=6) of respondents were confident in managing their health currently and 54% (n=7) in managing their future health. However, only 31% (n=4) reported satisfaction with their mental health. 54% (n=7) were satisfied with their level of social engagement and 38% (n=5) satisfied with their general well- being.
Discussion:
Observations from this study revealed poorer satisfaction in mental and general well-being compared to social well-being and confidence in managing health. There is room for improving health in perimenopausal and menopausal women. Community, employers and health promotion services can be engaged to identify specific issues. Strategies for mental health services should be further strengthened.