1
|
Zou P, Shao J, Luo Y, Thayaparan A, Zhang H, Alam A, Liu L, Sidani S. Facilitators and Barriers to Healthy Midlife Transition among South Asian Immigrant Women in Canada: A Qualitative Exploration. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9020182. [PMID: 33572148 PMCID: PMC7914553 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9020182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: South Asian immigrant women make up the largest visible minority in Canada, where visible minorities include persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour, and approximately half of these women are above the age of 35. Few studies have investigated the factors that impact the midlife transition for these women. This study aims to identify the facilitators and barriers experienced by South Asian immigrant women during the midlife transition. Methods: Two focus groups and ten one-on-one interviews about the midlife transition were held with South Asian first-generation immigrant women in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada; discussions were analyzed thematically. Findings: Personal facilitators to the midlife transition included being employed and possessing adequate life skills. Personal barriers consisted of financial strain, overwhelming demands, and limited life skills. Familial facilitators were stable financial status and support. Familial barriers included limited understanding and support and high expectations. Community facilitators included a close social circle and adequate healthcare. Community barriers were limited social support and cultural expectations. Fair and respectful societies were a facilitator, whereas inadequate policy support and acculturative stress were societal barriers. An environmental barrier was the colder Canadian climate. Discussion: Employment and education programs for South Asian immigrant women need to be prioritized to help them integrate into society. Family-centred assessment and education can improve familial support. Communities need to foster peer support groups and culturally sensitive healthcare. Social and employment policies should accommodate the midlife transition. Conclusions: South Asian immigrant women experience unique facilitators and barriers to their midlife transition that should be considered by healthcare providers, policymakers and society to support them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zou
- School of Nursing, Nipissing University, Toronto, ON M6J 3S3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +416-642-7003
| | - Jing Shao
- Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Yan Luo
- Faculty of Nursing, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Aarabi Thayaparan
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China;
| | - Arzoo Alam
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada;
| | - Lichun Liu
- Centre for Women’s Studies in Education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6, Canada;
| | - Souraya Sidani
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2E7, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Moustafa AA, Crouse JJ, Herzallah MM, Salama M, Mohamed W, Misiak B, Frydecka D, Al-Dosari NF, Megreya AM, Mattock K. Depression Following Major Life Transitions in Women: A Review and Theory. Psychol Rep 2019; 123:1501-1517. [PMID: 31470771 DOI: 10.1177/0033294119872209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Depression can occur due to common major life transitions, such as giving birth, menopause, retirement, empty-nest transition, and midlife crisis. Although some of these transitions are perceived as positive (e.g., giving birth), they may still lead to depression. We conducted a systematic literature review of the factors underlying the occurrence of depression following major life transition in some individuals. This review shows that major common life transitions can cause depression if they are sudden, major, and lead to loss (or change) of life roles (e.g., no longer doing motherly or fatherly chores after children leave family home). Accordingly, we provide a theoretical framework that explains depression caused by transitions in women. One of the most potential therapeutic methods of ameliorating depression associated with life transitions is either helping individuals accept their new roles (e.g., accepting new role as a mother to ameliorate postpartum depression symptoms) or providing them with novel life roles (e.g., volunteering after retirement or children leave family home) may help them overcome their illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Moustafa
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Marcs Institute for Brain, Behaviour, and Development, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jacob J Crouse
- Clinical Research Unit, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mohammad M Herzallah
- Palestinian Neuroscience Initiative, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine; Center for Molecular and Behavioural Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Mohamed Salama
- School of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Wael Mohamed
- International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Gombak, Malaysia; Clinical Pharmacology Department, Menoufia Medical School, Menoufia University and American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Błażej Misiak
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Karen Mattock
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Marcs Institute for Brain, Behaviour, and Development, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Javadivala Z, Allahverdipour H, Kouzekanani K, Merghati-Khoei E, Asghari Jafarabadi M, Mirghafourvand M. A Randomized Trial of a Relationship-Enhancement Approach in Improving Marital Intimacy in Middle-Aged Iranian Couples. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2018; 45:190-200. [PMID: 30595113 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2018.1501447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a relationship enhancement education and counseling (REEC) program on improving middle-aged couples' marital intimacy. The randomized controlled trial study was conducted in Tabriz, Iran, from May to December 2017. Thirty-two married couples, attending a public health center and meeting the inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to the intervention (receiving REEC) and control (receiving routine care) groups. The outcome measures were marital intimacy, sexual motivation, and sexual function. Data were collected at three points in time. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used for the purpose of data analysis. In all analyses, the interventional group outperformed the control group on all outcome measures. In the intervention group, results showed statistically significant improvement in all variables of interest after one week and 12 weeks in comparison with preintervention. Upon the completion of the experimentation, it can be concluded that a REEC program positively affects marital intimacy, sexual function, and sexual motivation in middle-aged couples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Javadivala
- a Department of Health Education & Promotion , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Hamid Allahverdipour
- b Department of Health Education & Promotion , Clinical Psychiatry Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Kamiar Kouzekanani
- c College of Education & Human Development, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi , Texas , USA
| | - Effat Merghati-Khoei
- d Iranian National Center of Addiction Studies (INCAS), Institute of Risk Reduction, and Sexual & Family Health Division, Brian & Spinal Cord Injury Research Center (BASIR), Institute of Neuroscience, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi
- e Road Traffic Injury Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
- f Department of Statistics and Epidemiology , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Physical activity, evaluation of menopause, life satisfaction and influence tactics in marriage of perimenopausal women. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REPORT 2016. [DOI: 10.5114/hpr.2017.62709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
<b>Background</b><br />
Domination of the biomedical approach to menopause may imply creation of negative attitudes to the phenomenon, and at the same time negatively affect women’s life satisfaction and behaviour in the family. It is assumed that physical activity may be a defensive factor, as this type of activity may reduce the intensity of menopause symptoms. The aim of the research was to determine the relation between menopause evaluation, life satisfaction and tactics of influence employed in marriage by women who differ in involvement in physical exercise.<br />
<br />
<b>Participants and procedure</b><br />
The research was conducted among 90 women, at the age of 45-55: 45 physically active women and 45 women who do not engage in any physical activity. The following research methods were used: the Menopause Evaluation Scale, the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) and the Questionnaire of Influence in Close Relations of Women and Men.<br />
<br />
<b>Results</b><br />
Positive evaluation of menopause was related to involvement in physical exercise as well as to a stronger tendency to use positive strategies of exerting influence on one’s spouse. The research also showed a slight correlation between life satisfaction and involvement in physical exercise. Negative evaluation of menopause was related to avoiding physical activity. <br />
<br />
<b>Conclusions</b><br />
Physical activity is more frequently related to a positive attitude towards menopause and the use of more positive tactics of exerting influence on one’s spouse, and slightly positively conducive to one’s life satisfaction level.
Collapse
|
5
|
Caçapava Rodolpho JR, Cid Quirino B, Komura Hoga LA, Lima Ferreira Santa Rosa P. Men's perceptions and attitudes toward their wives experiencing menopause. J Women Aging 2016; 28:322-33. [PMID: 27044440 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2015.1017430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we explore men's perceptions, experiences, and attitudes toward wives experiencing natural menopause. We interviewed 20 men using the oral history method. Descriptive categories of experiences, such as misconceptions about menopause overcome through coexistence and recognition of women's perspectives; recognition of women's needs and efforts to provide support; coping with changes in marital relations and need to start a new time in couple's life; and existence of several needs as husbands of women experiencing menopause were explored. A better understanding by men about the changes experienced by menopausal women fosters the development of a better emotional support for their wives, which improves the quality of marital relations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruna Cid Quirino
- a School of Nursing , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Steffen PR, Soto M. Spirituality and severity of menopausal symptoms in a sample of religious women. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2011; 50:721-729. [PMID: 19641994 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-009-9271-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/16/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Menopause represents an important life change, particularly for religious women whose identity is significantly related to family. Two competing hypotheses are examined: one, because religious women have their identity focused on family and child rearing, spirituality will be related to increased menopausal symptoms because menopause represents a loss of identity and purpose; and two, because spirituality can provide strength and comfort during difficult times, it will, therefore, be related to decreased menopausal symptoms. To test these competing hypotheses, questionnaires were administered to 218 women (average age 55, 35% premenopausal, 26% peri-menopausal, 39% postmenopausal) who were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Regression analyses indicated that higher levels of spiritual strength were related to decreased levels of reported menopausal symptoms. Spiritual strength was also related to increased benefit finding during menopause, decreased concern with body appearance, and increased use of adaptive coping strategies. We conclude that finding strength in spirituality may help religious women cope better with the life changes associated with menopause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Steffen
- Clinical Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Janisse HC, Nedd D, Escamilla S, Nies MA. Physical Activity, Social Support, and Family Structure as Determinants of Mood Among European-American and African-American Women. Women Health 2008; 39:101-16. [PMID: 15002885 DOI: 10.1300/j013v39n01_06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The literature indicates that mood is an important predictor of physical and psychological well-being. Mood influences a person's health perceptions, treatment compliance, and recovery. Given the importance of mood as an outcome, it is important to identify predictors of mood. The current study examined physical activity, social support, and family structure as determinants of mood among women who had recently begun a walking program. Two hundred and fifty-nine European-American and African-American women between the ages of 30 and 60 participated in the study. A significant positive relation was found between physical activity, social support, and mood, while a negative relation was found between number of children and mood. Hierarchical regression revealed that physical activity, social support of friends, mari- tal status, and number of children were significant predictors of women's mood. Race moderated the relation between number of children and mood. This study suggests that physical activity, social support, and family may be important factors in the psychological well-being of women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather C Janisse
- Center for Health Research, Wayne State University, Cohn Building, Suite 319, 5557 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ussher JM. Reclaiming Embodiment within Critical Psychology: A Material-Discursive Analysis of the Menopausal Body. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2008.00151.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
9
|
Lam PM, Cheung GWY, Shek DTL, Lee DTS, Haines CJ, Chung TKH. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study of tibolone (Livial) on menopause symptoms, psychological well-being, and dyadic relationship of postmenopausal Chinese women and their spouses. Menopause 2004; 11:416-22. [PMID: 15243279 DOI: 10.1097/01.gme.0000109317.11228.3e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of 6-month treatment of tibolone on menopause symptoms, psychological well-being, and the dyadic relationship of postmenopausal Chinese women and their spouses. DESIGN A randomized, double-blind, crossover study was conducted in 100 postmenopausal Hong Kong Chinese women who received tibolone (2.5mg/day) and placebo. At baseline, 6-month and 13-month visits, the women filled in the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and their spouses completed GHQ and DAS. RESULTS Both tibolone and placebo treatment were associated with a significant reduction in the GCS total scores after the first 6-month interventional period (95% CI: -8.0 to -2.5 for tibolone, and -5.7 to -0.7 for placebo). After the correction for placebo response, tibolone treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the GCS somatic subscore (-1.1 +/- 0.4 for tibolone group versus 0.6 +/- 0.5 for placebo group, P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the GHQ and DAS total scores of the women and their spouses after tibolone treatment, both with and without the correction for placebo response. CONCLUSIONS Tibolone treatment had a significant beneficial effect on the somatic menopause symptoms but had no effect on the psychological well-being or marital relationship of the postmenopausal Chinese women and their spouses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po M Lam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|