Social representations of menstruation, pregnancy and menopause: A study of community health care practitioners

Abstract

In-depth interviews were conducted with twenty community health practitioners working in the field of female reproduction to investigate the social representations these practitioners have of menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, and the intervention strategies they use. Most respondents perceived reproduction as a multidimensional process and their intervention strategies cover the psychological, social, physical and instrumental dimensions. Some strategies are structured to solve specific problems, while others are centred on empowerment.