The Perception of Menopause Among Turkish Women

Abstract

The perception of menopause, menopausal attitudes, and problems faced during this period vary from one society to another. This study was conducted in order to determine the symptoms and perception of menopause, as well as factors affecting and influencing this perception. This study was made with the help of 300 women in menopause who applied to Akdeniz University Research and Application Hospital in January 2007. The study used sociodemographic data from a descriptive survey form. The data were collected by researchers in face-to-face interviews. The mean menopause age of participating women was x = 45.75 ± 4.7. A total of 41.3% of the women had primary education, and 62% of the women also had one or two children. There was a significant relationship between attitudes toward menopause and a woman's age, educational status, number of children, duration of living with spouse, satisfaction with marriage, menopausal age, menopause duration, and sexual intercourse after the menopausal period. The most important aspect of polyclinic services related to menopause is to increase and maintain women's quality of life. In this context, education modules should be developed to help couples perceive menopause in a more positive way.

Keywords:

• sexuality
• women
• menopause
• perception of menopause

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This study received external funding from Akdeniz University Scientific Research Project Unit.