title: Perimenopausal health self-efficacy among Hispanic Caribbean and non-Hispanic white women.
abstract: The perimenopausal experience varies among different ethnic and cultural groups. This research examined perimenopausal health self-efficacy of Latinas and non-Hispanic White women and variables that predicted health in 147 women ages 40 to 60 in the Northeast United States. Self-efficacy scores were similar for both groups. Latinas scored lower, however, in the Cognition/Decision Making subscale of the Perimenopausal Health Self-Efficacy Survey (PHS-ES). Perceived health was predicted by control over health and stress for both, and greater self-efficacy was associated with higher perceptions of health. Subtle differences existed between the two groups, which may reflect cultural beliefs and barriers to care during midlife.
authors.affiliation: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts 01983, USA. Susan_Reece@uml.edu
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Reece
authors.forename: Gene E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Harkless
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000208:ethnology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009511:New England; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016387:Women's Health