Exploring women’s perceptions and experiences of menopause among East Coast Malaysian women

Mohamad Ishak, Nurul Najmi and Jamani, Nurjasmine Aida and Mohd Arifin, Siti Roshaidai and Abdul Hadi, Azwanis and Abd. Aziz, Karimah Hanim (2021) Exploring women’s perceptions and experiences of menopause among East Coast Malaysian women. Malaysian Family Physician, 16 (1). pp. 84-92. ISSN 1985-207X E-ISSN 1985-2274

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Abstract

Background: Menopause signifies the beginning of a non-reproductive phase from the reproductive period. Although it is considered a natural life transition, recent studies have indicated that a woman’s menopausal experience may impact her quality of life. While studies have examined Malaysian women’s knowledge and awareness of menopause, they have focused on the prevalence of menopausal symptoms and sociocultural aspects. These investigations also used a quantitative design that may have limited the information regarding the nature and experience of menopause. Objectives: This study explores women’s perceptions and understanding of their menopausal experience. Methods: A total of 20 menopausal women were recruited using purposive sampling through social media in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to explore how they perceived their menopausal experience. The data were then analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three themes that emerged from the findings included perceptions of menopause, biopsychosocial changes and help-seeking behavior. For many Muslim women, menopause was perceived as a time for them to engage in religious commitment more than they had before. Conclusion: The study findings uncovered a knowledge gap and a lack of support for women impacted by menopause. Muslim women regarded their menopause phase as a time for them to engage in religious duty fully. These results indicate the need for a psychosocial intervention and educational program to ensure women a better transition throughout their menopausal phase.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	5696/88202
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Menopause, experience, Malaysia, women
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Community Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011) Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Family Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011) Kulliyyah of Nursing Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Special Care Nursing
Depositing User:	SR NUR FARHANA LATFI
Date Deposited:	03 Feb 2021 16:19
Last Modified:	10 Jun 2021 15:33
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/88202

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