Concerns of menopausal women: a phenomenological study in North West Iran

Objective (s): Menopause is a psychosocial and biological event. Several factors including socio-cultural conditions might affect it. These factors may cause unique experiences and concerns among menopausal women. This study aimed to explain these experiences and concerns.

This was a qualitative study with phenomenological approach. Eighteen eligible menopausal women were selected using a purposeful sampling method. The participants were interviewed using in-depth individual interviews. Interviews were recorded and were analyzed using theme analysis.

Four main themes emeregred from analysis: ‘disability’، ‘transion to elderly life’، ‘isolation’، and ‘losing wellness’. Women were concerned about inability for keeping an independent life، performing religious ritual، performing daily housework and forgetfulness. Their concerns about transion to elderly life included the appearance and their future. The participants concerned about isolation due to their mood changes and bad smell following urinary inconsistency. They concerned about losing their wellness and occurrence of some diseases such as osteoporosis، cardiovascular diseases.

It seems that development of training programs for family members in support of women will lead to decrease women`s concerns and easier spending of menopausal period.