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Chinese midlife women's perceptions and attitudes about menopause
Y L Chen1, A M Voda, P K Mansfield
1Westminster College School of Nursing, Salt Lake City, Utah 84105, USA. y-chen@wcslc.edu
Menopause (New York, N.Y.)
|August 5, 1998
Summary
Midlife Chinese women in Taiwan view menopause positively, as a natural life stage. They often learn about menopause from friends and printed materials, highlighting a need for culturally sensitive healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Sociology
- Cultural Anthropology
Background:
- Menopause is a significant life transition for women.
- Understanding cultural perceptions of menopause is crucial for effective healthcare.
- Chinese cultural contexts may influence attitudes towards menopause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the meaning and attitudes towards menopause among midlife Chinese women in Taiwan.
- To investigate how these women acquire information about menopause.
Main Methods:
- A convenience sample of 208 Chinese women aged 35-55 in Taiwan participated.
- 168 women completed questionnaires, with qualitative data analyzed via content analysis.
- Quantitative data were analyzed using percentage and chi-square tests.
Main Results:
- 91.7% of women perceived menopause as a natural phenomenon.
- Attitudes towards menopause did not significantly differ based on menopausal stage, hormone use, or religion.
- Positive descriptions included 'wisdom and maturation' and 'a time to start enjoying life'.
- 40.5% obtained menopausal information from friends and printed materials.
Conclusions:
- Chinese women in Taiwan generally hold positive and holistic views of menopause.
- Findings can inform Western practitioners to provide culturally sensitive, individualized care.
- Understanding cultural perspectives enhances support for women during midlife transitions.