Exploring the problems faced by menopausal women and the impact of family support during menopausal transition in Pinarayi Panchayat, Kerala: A qualitative study
Abstract
Perimenopause marks the beginning of the transition from a reproductive to a non-reproductive cycle. Despite the fact that perimenopause is regarded as a normal life transition for women, new studies have shown that issues faced by women during this phase, as well as family support experienced, may impact their quality of life. Nearly all of the studies carried out on the subject looked at familiarity with, frequency and awareness of menopausal symptoms, while ignoring the issues women deal with during perimenopause. This study aims to explore biopsychosocial problems and family support among menopausal women. A qualitative research approach was adopted for the study. A sample consisting of 20 menopausal women who fulfilled the criteriawas obtained through a purposive sampling technique. In-depth interviews based on an interview guide were conducted among the sample until data saturation was reached. Thematic analysis revealed that biopsychosocial problems are present during perimenopause, and that lack of family support during the transition to menopause affects women´s subjective well-being. These results shed light on the importance of health promotion strategies, especially among middle-aged women. There is an urgent need for educational programs regarding perimenopause and the recommended lifestyle modifications to prevent cardiovascular diseases as well as osteoporosis, which are quite common for women after aged 60 and above. Keywords : biopsychosocial problems, indepth interviews, menopause
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