What do women think about menopause? A qualitative study of women's expectations, apprehensions and knowledge about the climacteric period.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and describe expectations, apprehensions and knowledge about the menopausal period and climacteric symptoms.


METHODS
Data were collected by semi-structured interviews/discussions with a convenience sample of 39 women, all 47 years of age. Data interpretation and analysis were based on content analysis, but influenced by a qualitative approach.


RESULTS
These included women's expectations and feelings of freedom. Apprehensions were described as different climacteric symptoms, which were well known to the women through their own or other's experiences. The women were, to some extent, aware of the physical and psychological changes that follow the menopause. However, the women lacked knowledge about these changes or self-care activities that could prevent problems or mitigate symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Discussions on health with premenopausal women can increase their knowledge about a natural phase of life, the climacteric period. The study showed that nurses/midwives who have regular contact with some women during their life have an important role to play in providing information, as well as in the treatment of climacteric symptoms.
Berterö
C
C
Department of Nursing Science, School of Health Sciences, Box 1026, University of Jönköping, SE 551 11 Jönköping, Sweden. carina.bertero@hhj.hj.se
D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004644:Emotions; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000523:psychology; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D005610:Freedom; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009721:Nurse Midwives; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D016387:Women's Health