Perceptions about menopause and health practises among women in northeast Thailand

The purpose of the present qualitative study was to understand health perceptions and practises among Thai menopausal women. One hundred and forty-two women aged 45-59 participated in the study in 1999. Data gathered from observations, focus group discussions, and in depth interviews were analyzed by using the hermeneutic phenomenological method. Four main themes emerged as characteristic of the health perceptions, practises and worldviews of the participants. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of what it is like to be a menopausal woman, and why certain health activities are practised.