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