Qualitative exploration of the reproductive health perceptions of middle-aged women in the United States

ABSTRACT

Empirical literature exploring the reproductive health experiences of middle-aged women is limited. Little is known about their experiences and decision-making processes related to reproductive health. The purpose of the Reproductive Health Seeking (RHS) study was to expand the understanding of reproductive health knowledge and influences impacting health decisions for middle-aged women. Thirty women aged 45–64 participated in semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Results highlighted a variety of experiences related to reproductive health including women’s perceptions of reproductive health-related cancers, community resources for reproductive-related health education, and factors that influence reproductive health and healthcare seeking behavior. Results demonstrated that women are impacted by their conversations with family and friends, seek information through a variety of channels, and are calling for more information on a variety of reproductive health-related issues outside of breast cancer campaigns.

KEYWORDS:

• Reproductive health
• middle-aged women
• menopause

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Western Michigan University under the Faculty Research andCreative Activities Award (FRACAA) [Grant #17-05-02].