Ethnic Differences in Management Strategies for Menopausal Symptoms

Background. Although researchers have provided evidence for ethnic differences in management of menopausal symptoms, the usage of the management strategies or the influences of women's ethnic specific attitudes on the choice of management strategies have rarely been compared among multiethnic groups in the U.S.

Objectives. The purpose of the study was to explore ethnic differences in menopausal symptom management strategies of four major ethnic groups in the U.S. (non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics, non-Hispanic African Americans, and non-Hispanic Asians) through analyzing the qualitative data from a larger national Internet study.

Methods. This was a secondary analysis of the qualitative data from a larger study on menopausal symptom experience of multi-ethnic groups of midlife women. The qualitative data from 90 middle-aged women in the U.S. who attended four ethnic-specific online forums of the larger study were analyzed using thematic analysis by Boyatzis.

Results. Four themes were extracted: (a) “seeking formal or informal advice,” (b) “medication as the first or final choice,” (c) “symptom-specific or holistic,” and (d) “avoiding or pursuing specific foods.” Whites sought help through formal health care systems while ethnic minorities sought help through their family and friends. Whites used medication as the first step while ethnic minorities used it as the final choice. Whites used symptom-specific strategies while ethnic minorities tried to improve their general health. Whites preferred avoiding specific foods while ethnic minorities pursued specific healthy foods.

Discussion. Health care providers need to develop menopausal symptom management programs while considering ethnic differences in menopausal symptom management.