207850 Menopausal symptom experience across ethnic groups

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Eun-Ok Im, PhD MPH RN FAAN , Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Bok Im Lee, PhD, MPH, RN , Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Chia-Chun Li , School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Wonshik Chee, PhD , College of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Sharon Dormire, PhD, RN , Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Adama Brown, PhD, MPH, RN , School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Background/significance: Studies have rarely explored qualitative commonalities and differences in menopausal symptom experience among diverse ethnic populations in the U.S. Consequently, very little is still known about how culture influences women's menopausal symptom experience, especially after the landmark report by the Women's Health Initiative.

Objective/Purpose: To explore commonalities and differences in menopausal symptom experience among four major ethnic groups in the U.S. (Whites, Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians), using a feminist perspective.

Methods: This was a qualitative online forum study. Ninety middle-aged women from the four ethnic groups were recruited using a convenience sampling method through Internet communities/groups/organizations. Data were collected using seven topics on menopausal symptom experience, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: The themes reflecting the commonalities across the ethnic groups were: “just a part of life,” “trying to be optimistic,” “getting support,” and “more information needed.” The themes reflecting the differences among the ethnic groups were: “open and closed,” “universal and unique,” and “controlling and minimizing.” Ethnic minority women began to get support from family members and friends, although they were still hesitant to discuss their menopausal symptoms. White women accepted menopause and menopausal symptoms as just a normal part of their lives and they tried to control their symptoms through diverse natural management strategies.

Discussion and Conclusions: The findings indicated positive changes in women's menopausal symptom experience across the ethnic groups. Health care providers need to consider these recent changes and develop educational programs that provide information and knowledge on menopause and menopausal symptoms.

Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss commonalities in menopausal symptom experience across four major ethnic groups in the U.S. 2. Discuss differences in menopausal symptom experience across four major ethnic groups in the U.S.

Keywords: Menopause, Ethnic Minorities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the project coordinator of the project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: From Menstruation to Menopause: Women’s Health Across the Lifespan
See more of: Women's Caucus