Women of perimenopausal age are facing difficult questions as serious health risks are linked to the estrogen decline that occurs during menopause. However, women now are reaching menopause at a time when decisions about therapeutic and preventive strategies for managing menopausal changes are constrained by incomplete and complex information. To adequately enable women to make critical decisions about menopause, it first is necessary to know how they perceive menopause and what information they lack. Much of our knowledge about perceptions of menopause is limited to findings from surveys of women who are predominantly Caucasian and from higher socio-economic brackets. This study represents an attempt to learn about the perceptions of, and knowledge about, menopause for women of the seven largest demographic groups in the United States (Chinese-, Filipino-, Mexican-, Puerto-Rican-, African-, Caucasian- and Native- American). This information is critical for knowing how best to provide culturally and ethnically appropriate information to women of diverse ethnicity. Women aged 35-50, from each of these groups were recruited to participate in focus groups. Objectives for the focus groups included ascertaining a range of 1) women’s perceptions of the menopause experience; 2) concerns about their own experience; 3) women’s expectations of the menopause experience; and 4) knowledge needs. Data from these groups were transcribed, coded and analyzed for content. Preliminary findings suggest cultural differences exist among diverse groups with regard to women’s experiences, expectations and knowledge about menopause. Additional findings and implications for the design of programs for diverse populations will be presented.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to: a) Identify cultural differences in the information needs of perimenopausal women of different race/ethncities b) Identify concerns of midlife women regarding menopause education c) Identify strategies to communicate information about menopause to diverse groups
Keywords: Menopause, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Oregon Center for Applied Science, Inc.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment