[Structural equation modeling on healthy menopausal transition].
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to construct and test structural equation modeling on healthy menopausal transition in middle-aged women in order to identify variables affecting healthy menopausal transition.


METHODS
Participants, 276 women, 45 to 60 years of age, with menopausal symptom score higher than 5 on the Korean version of Menopause Rating Scale, were recruited in three cities and one county of Gyeongnam Province. Research data were collected via questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 18.0 and AMOS version 20.0.


RESULTS
After confirmatory factor analysis, one of the observed variables was excluded due to relatively low factor loading. The model fit indices for the hypothetical model were suitable for the recommended level: GFI=.93, CFI=.92, RMSEA=.05. Self-efficacy, self-differentiation, and menopausal symptoms explained 67.7% of variance in menopausal transition, and self-differentiation was the most influential factor for menopausal transition. Self efficacy and menopausal symptoms explained 9.6% of variance in menopausal management, although "menopausal symptoms" was not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that nursing interventions to improve self-differentiation, self efficacy, menopausal management and decrease menopausal symptoms are critical for healthy menopausal transition in middle-aged women. Continued development of a variety of community-based nursing interventions to facilitate healthy menopausal transition is suggested.
Department of Nursing, Koje College, Geoje, Korea.
Eunyoung
E
Hong
College of Nursing; Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea. kangys@gnu.ac.kr.
Young Sil
YS
Kang
D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D017698:Postmenopause; D011788:Quality of Life; D056910:Republic of Korea; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014175:Translating
Menopause; Middle aged; Nursing care; Quality of life; Self efficacy