“Staying Strong”: How Low-Income Rural African American Women Manage Their Menopausal Changes

ABSTRACT

The present study sought to describe the various ways a group of rural, low-income African American women interpreted and responded to menopausal changes. The study analyzed the experiences of 44 African American women over the age of 40 from a small rural town in a large Eastern state; all interviews took place in the women's homes. Inductive analysis of the interviews uncovered two key concepts women employed in the face of menopausal changes: turning inward and relying on one's own resources and turning outward and seeking the support of others. Taken together, these strategies were aimed at achieving the overall goal of staying strong despite the challenges of unexpected or uncontrollable changes during the menopausal transition. The findings are linked to the notions of sexism, racism, and classism that frame many African American women's experience.

KEYWORDS:

• African American women
• menopause
• empowerment
• rural
• low income