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Turan Miral M, Bayraktar T. Menopausal knowledge and attitudes of women during the perimenopausal period. Menopause 2024; 31:702-708. [PMID: 38954492 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes about menopause among women in the perimenopausal period. METHODS A descriptive and relationship-seeking cross-sectional study was conducted in family health centers in a district of Istanbul between January and March 2023. The study included 300 women in the perimenopausal period. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a descriptive information form, a menopause knowledge test, and the Menopause Attitude Scale. RESULTS The average age of participants was 45.07 ± 3.50, with 85.3% married, 37.0% having completed primary school, and 55.0% being housewives. The average menopause knowledge score was 12.29 ± 3.75 (out of 20), and the average menopause attitude score was 25.23 ± 6.99 (out of 52). No significant relationship was found between menopause knowledge and attitude scores ( r = 0.06, P > 0.05). Women with an income exceeding their expenses had higher menopause knowledge scores ( P < 0.05). Unmarried women, those with lower education levels, those with higher incomes, and those living alone had higher menopause attitude scores compared with their counterparts ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Women's knowledge and attitudes toward menopause are moderate in the perimenopausal period. There is no significant relationship between menopausal knowledge and attitude of women during the perimenopausal period. It was determined that menopause knowledge level differed according to women's income status, and menopause attitude differed according to marital status, educational status, and cohabitation status in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukaddes Turan Miral
- From the Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kültür University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Wasley D, Gailey S. Menopause and the role of physical activity - The views and knowledge of women aged 40-65. Post Reprod Health 2024; 30:77-84. [PMID: 38393976 PMCID: PMC11188563 DOI: 10.1177/20533691241235273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Menopause marks the end of female reproductive capacity. It is defined as the point after cessation of the menstrual cycle for 12 months (Nursat et al., 2008). Awareness about menopause has increased over the last decade, yet studies have shown that women still lack knowledge regarding the subject. Likewise, awareness of women between the age of 40-65 on the potential role of physical activity prior to and during menopause in women is unclear. Women (n = 162) aged 40-65 years completed a survey rating their knowledge, answered fact-based questions and reported their experiences of menopause. Their levels of, and beliefs on, the role physical activity on symptoms and menopause associated disease risk were also collected. Women reported their confidence in their current knowledge level at 67% reflecting 37% higher rating than an estimate of their knowledge 10 years ago. Their factual knowledge score was 56%. Knowledge was primarily gained through friends and family and almost half (46%) had not spoken to a healthcare professional. Frustration was expressed with lack of knowledge and support of healthcare and others. Women using HRT (44%) had mixed attitudes towards its role. A high proportion were active and felt that physical activity can help manage symptoms and impact long-term health consequences of menopause. Menopause education strategies for women, healthcare professionals and others need to be improved. Lack of education may be causing women to struggle and feel negatively towards this life stage. Physical activity was viewed positively for the symptoms and a treatment during menopause and long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wasley
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Samantha Gailey
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
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Pershad A, Morris JM, Shearer K, Pace D, Khanna P. Influencing factors on women's attitudes toward hormone therapy acceptance for menopause treatment: a systematic review. Menopause 2023; 30:1061-1069. [PMID: 37643393 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE There is a paucity of data on recent attitudes and perceptions toward hormone therapy use, especially subsequent reanalysis and follow-up of Women's Health Initiative data. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to assess the factors influencing women's attitudes and perceptions toward hormone therapy use for menopausal symptoms. EVIDENCE REVIEW We conducted a comprehensive search of several medical databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Quality assessment was performed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement for cross-sectional studies. A search was conducted for cross-sectional articles published from January 2012 to March 2023 in English medical databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar). Search keywords included "hormone therapy," "acceptance," "menopause," "attitudes," "influence," "factor," "estrogen," "perimenopause," "postmenopause," and "climacteric." Studies evaluating factors that influenced women's attitudes toward hormone therapy were identified. FINDINGS A total of 1,280 articles were initially identified. Twenty-one articles were ultimately included in the review after screening studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies were conducted between 2012 and 2023 and included a total of 40,226 participants. The most common positive factor included awareness of the existence and efficacy of hormone therapy. The most common negative factors included concern for general adverse effects and negative perception of hormone therapy from family and friends. The factors assessed in this review on women's attitudes toward hormone therapy acceptance for menopause treatment were categorized into three main themes: (1) demographic factors, (2) environmental/contextual factors, and (3) health care-related factors. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Hormone therapy can be a safe and effective tool to improve the quality of life in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms. However, there are many complex factors that shape women's perceptions of the efficacy, safety, and accessibility of hormone therapy. Healthcare providers should seek to understand these factors to better discuss the benefits and risks with women and assist with decision making based on cultural, personal, and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Pershad
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | | | - Katie Shearer
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Diane Pace
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Pallavi Khanna
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
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Patel V, Ross S, Sydora BC. Assessing young adults' menopause knowledge to increase understanding of symptoms and help improve quality of life for women going through menopause; a student survey. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:493. [PMID: 37715143 PMCID: PMC10504692 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02641-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to menopause being a largely invisible and under-discussed topic in wider society, women often deal with menopause-related complications on their own. Social support and awareness have been shown to reduce negative menopausal experiences; however, lack of menopause knowledge, particularly among younger people, may deter support for women suffering from menopause symptoms. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge young adults have on menopause to be able to create interventions that target knowledge gaps and increase understanding of women's experiences and difficulties during their menopause transition. METHODS We created an electronic questionnaire based on menopause literature and guidelines from Menopause Societies. It was pilot-tested on young people in the target group age (n = 14; 7 male and 7 female), menopause clinicians (n = 5), and women experiencing menopause (n = 4). The final survey included questions on participant demographics, general menopause knowledge, and options to support menopause management and was distributed through university student newsletters. Responses over a two week period were collected anonymously. Descriptive statistics were applied to characterize participants, define menopause knowledge, and identify gaps. Chi-squared statistics was used for group comparison, and open questions were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Survey responses were collected from 828 students; the average age was 22.1 ± 5.1 and 83.6% were female. Participants belonged to all faculties and included students from a variety of family settings and living conditions. Knowledge questions revealed a good understanding of the basic menopause physiology for most respondents, but there were gaps in understanding of symptoms and symptom management. Female sex and personal connection to menopausal women had a positive effect on the degree of menopause knowledge. Both males and females reported increased knowledge confidence at the end of the survey. CONCLUSION Our survey provides evidence that young adults of both sexes have a general baseline knowledge of menopause and its symptoms and are open to learning strategies to help support menopausal women. Our findings will assist in developing targeted educational resources to increase social support and awareness, reduce stigma and improve the quality of life for menopausal women, and help prepare younger women for their future menopause journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishvi Patel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, 626-1 Community Service Centre, Royal Alexandra Hospital, 10240 Kingsway Ave, Edmonton, T5H-3V9, Canada
| | - Sue Ross
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, 626-1 Community Service Centre, Royal Alexandra Hospital, 10240 Kingsway Ave, Edmonton, T5H-3V9, Canada
| | - Beate C Sydora
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, 626-1 Community Service Centre, Royal Alexandra Hospital, 10240 Kingsway Ave, Edmonton, T5H-3V9, Canada.
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Tariq B, Phillips S, Biswakarma R, Talaulikar V, Harper JC. Women's knowledge and attitudes to the menopause: a comparison of women over 40 who were in the perimenopause, post menopause and those not in the peri or post menopause. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:460. [PMID: 37648988 PMCID: PMC10469514 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02424-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate women's knowledge and attitudes towards the menopause by comparing three groups of women: perimenopause, post menopause and those women not in either the peri or post menopause (other). METHODS A 35 question online survey was advertised on social media to evaluate women's attitudes and knowledge of the menopause. Three groups of women were compared: perimenopause, post menopause and those women not in either the peri or post menopause (other). RESULTS Most women were completely uninformed or only had some knowledge of the menopause before the age of 40. Most women thought that the menopause should be taught at school, but over 80% had received no menopause education at school themselves. The most popular sources of menopause information were independent websites and friends. Perimenopausal women were significantly more likely than postmenopausal women to use online resources for menopause information. The perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups had more positive attitudes towards the menopause than the other group. 57.5% of postmenopausal women found the menopause difficult or very difficult. Most women were happy about no longer menstruating, although some expressed sadness regarding fertility loss. CONCLUSIONS Most women had limited knowledge and negative attitudes towards the menopause, leaving them unprepared to cope with the physical and psychological changes associated with this stage of life. Improved menopause education is required to improve quality of life during the menopausal transition and a most positive narrative of life postmenopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisma Tariq
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Rina Biswakarma
- Institute for Education, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Joyce C Harper
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
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Li Y, He H, Wang J, Chen Y, Wang C, Li X, Dai A, Liu Y, Xi X, Huang J, Zou M, Fan Y, Zhou M, Yi P, Yu L, Lei X. Effect of multidisciplinary health education based on lifestyle medicine on menopausal syndrome and lifestyle behaviors of menopausal women: A clinical controlled study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1119352. [PMID: 37006585 PMCID: PMC10060660 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1119352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMenopausal women may experience menopausal syndrome and long-term effects caused by low estrogen levels, such as senile dementia and osteoporosis in the elderly. Most menopausal women may have misconceptions about menopause and low use of pharmacological interventions. These misconceptions may damage the quality of life and miss the critical period for preventing senile diseases. Thus, enhancing the awareness of menopausal women regarding psychosocial and physical changes through health education programs was a way to improve positive attitudes toward menopause and make further treatment options.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of multidisciplinary health education based on lifestyle medicine on menopausal syndrome and lifestyle behaviors of menopausal women.MethodsThe study was conducted in several hospitals in Chongqing, China. The two groups were from different hospitals with similar medical levels in order to reduce information contamination. It was designed as a clinical controlled trial in which the intervention group (n = 100) and control group (n = 87) were matched for age, age at menarche, menopausal symptoms and drug use status at enrollment. Women in the intervention group received multidisciplinary health education based on lifestyle medicine for 2 months while those in the control group received routine outpatient health guidance. Menopausal syndrome, physical activity and dietary status of participants were assessed before and after the intervention. Paired t-tests and Independent-sample t-tests were adopted for comparison within and between groups, respectively, in the normal variables. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were adopted for comparison within and between group, respectively, in the abnormal variables. Categorical variables were tested using Pearson's χ2. P-value < 0.05 was statistically significant in statistical tests.ResultsPost intervention testing indicated that menopausal syndrome of participants was significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Between-group comparison showed a significant improvement of weekly energy expenditure of total physical activity (P = 0.001) and participation in exercise (P < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group after the intervention. The dietary status of participants was significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). In the intervention group, the menopausal syndrome of participants improved more in the hormone drug group than in the non-hormone group (P = 0.007), as did the control group (P = 0.02). In the hormone drug group, the physical activity (P = 0.003) and dietary status (P = 0.001) mproved more in the intervention group than in the control group.ConclusionsThe multidisciplinary health education based on lifestyle medicine was effective in improving the menopausal syndrome and healthy lifestyle behaviors of menopausal women. Studies with extended observation period and larger sample size are in need to evaluate the long-term scale-up effects of the multidisciplinary health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangmei Li
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Public Health Security, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyang He
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Public Health Security, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaxi Wang
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunyuan Wang
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyue Li
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Anqi Dai
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Liu
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Xi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mi Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Fan
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingfang Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lili Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Lili Yu
| | - Xun Lei
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Public Health Security, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xun Lei
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Yu Q, Chae HD, Hsiao SM, Xie J, Blogg M, Sumarsono B, Kim S. Prevalence, severity, and associated factors in women in East Asia with moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. Menopause 2022; 29:553-563. [PMID: 35231007 PMCID: PMC9060817 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand prevalence, severity, impact, and treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, using cross-sectional survey data. METHODS This online, two-part survey was conducted in East Asia among women 40-65 years recruited from established online panels (Edelman, Beijing; Hankook Research, Seoul; Rakuten Insight, Taipei) using stratified sampling. Part I collected demographics/disease characteristics, including menopausal status and vasomotor symptom severity. Women with moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms completed Part II, including clinical characteristics, health-related quality of life, and healthcare-seeking behavior. Primary endpoints included vasomotor symptom prevalence and severity and proportions of women eligible and willing to take hormone therapy. Results are presented for each of the three online panels separately and as a pooled total. All analyses are descriptive with no formal hypothesis testing across groups. RESULTS Numbers of peri- versus postmenopausal women completing Part I were Edelman, 1,588 (55.1% vs 44.9%); Hankook Research, 1,000 (43.6% vs 56.4%); Rakuten Insight, 773 (61.7% vs 38.3%). Vasomotor symptom prevalence was =80% in each region; overall moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptom prevalence was 55%; >50% of women were untreated. Most of those treated used non-prescription treatments. Menopausal hormone therapy use was reported by 11.6% of peri- and 7.2% of postmenopausal women. In peri- and postmenopausal women with moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms, 8.6% and 3.4%, respectively, were hormone therapy-willing, 19.3% and 16.8% hormone therapy-contraindicated, 25.4% and 23.0% hormone therapy-cautious, and 10.2% and 8.3% hormone therapy-averse. Women experienced significant burden on health-related quality of life and substantial impairment of work productivity and daily activities. CONCLUSIONS Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause affected =80% of women aged 40 to 65 years. A substantial proportion of women are unsuitable for, or choose not to take, menopausal hormone therapy, resulting in an unmet need for nonhormonal treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College
| | - Hee-Dong Chae
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine
| | - Sheng-Mou Hsiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital
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