Cross-cultural menopausal experience: comparison of Australian and Taiwanese women

A more universal approach to the understanding of menopause can offer health professionals a broader view of the phenomenon. The present study's objectives were to describe and explain the menopausal experiences of Asian and Occidental women, and to examine the relationship between social/cultural factors and women's menopausal symptoms. Questionnaires were used to investigate psychosocial and cultural factors and menopausal symptoms in 45-55 years old Taiwanese (n = 105) and Australian (n = 450) women. The variables investigated included: social demography; menopause status; attitudes toward menopause; mental health; vitality; social functioning; and menopausal symptoms. Significant differences were found between Taiwanese and Australian women in their attitude towards menopause, menopausal symptoms and vitality scores. No significant differences were seen in the areas of social functioning, mental health and menopause status. The results suggest that cultural factors may influence the experience of menopause for women. These findings may improve health professionals' understanding of cultural beliefs relating to menopause so that culturally appropriate care can be provided.