Sociocultural beliefs and sexual activity among postmenopausal women in an urban community in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Sexual activity after menopause is often considered to be a taboo in some Nigerian societies and the attendant problems arc currently assuming publichcalth importance. However, few studies done on Nigerian women have brought to the forefront many sociocultural beliefs about sexual activity after menopause.The study therefore examined sociocultural beliefs and sexual activity of postmenopausal women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 postmenopausal women aged 40 to 65ycars. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on sociodcmographic characteristics, attitude to sociocultural beliefs regarding sexual activity and currcnt sexual activity of respondents. Chi-squar c test and logistic regression were used to test for associations and determine predictors of outcome variables. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 54.0 ±5.6 years and the mean age at menopause was 47.3±4.4 years. Overall, 54.3% agreed with at least one of the stated sociocultural beliefs. Among those who currently had partners, 68.4% and 30.7% reported pre and postmenopausal sexual activity respectively. The significant predictors for cessation of postmenopausal sexual activity were no formal education ( O.R =4.1, 95% C.I from 2.0 to 8.3), supportive attitude towards sociocultural beliefs (O R =5.6, 95% C.I from 3.4 to 9.4) and older age group (O.R =4.1, 95% C.I from 2.4 to 7.0). Conclusion: Sociocultural beliefs adversely afTcctcd postmenopausal scxuaLactivity among these women, which has implications on the partners seeking alternative sexual partners with the attendant problems of sexually transmitted infections /HIV. Educational interventions targeted at changing these erroneous beliefs should be developed.