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Ethnic differences in the clusters of menopausal symptoms
Eun-Ok Im1, Young Ko, Wonshik Chee
1a School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA.
Health Care for Women International
|August 29, 2013
Summary
This study identified three distinct groups of midlife women based on menopausal symptoms. Ethnic differences were observed, particularly within the low symptom group.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Sociology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Menopausal symptom experiences vary significantly among women.
- Understanding these variations across ethnic groups is crucial for targeted health interventions.
- Previous research has highlighted potential ethnic disparities in menopausal symptom reporting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct clusters of midlife women based on their menopausal symptom profiles.
- To investigate ethnic differences within these identified symptom clusters.
- To analyze menopausal symptom experiences in a multiethnic sample.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of data from 501 women in an internet-based study.
- Factor analysis was employed to identify underlying symptom dimensions.
- Hierarchical cluster analysis and multinomial logistic analysis were used to define and compare groups.
Main Results:
- A three-cluster solution effectively categorized women by menopausal symptoms.
- Significant differences in country of birth and ethnicity were found between clusters.
- Ethnic variations in menopausal symptoms were predominantly observed in the low symptomatic cluster.
Conclusions:
- Menopausal symptom presentation can be clustered into distinct patterns among midlife women.
- Ethnicity and country of birth are significant factors associated with these symptom clusters.
- Targeted approaches may be needed to address ethnic-specific menopausal symptom experiences, especially in less symptomatic individuals.
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