‘Age of despair’, or ‘when life starts’: migrant and refugee women negotiate constructions of menopause

Ussher, Jane M.; Hawkey, Alexandra; Perz, Janette

doi:10.1080/13691058.2018.1514069

Cited by 24 publications

(50 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…We used a material-discursive-intrapsychic approach embedded within a critical realist epistemology (Tolman et al, 2014 ). This has been used extensively and effectively to explore women’s embodied experiences in various contexts (Ussher, 2008 ; Ussher et al, 2019 ). Critical realism is a perspective that recognises the materiality (or lived experience) of the body, but conceptualises this materiality as being mediated by discourse, culture and psychological factors (Bhaskar, 2010 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“It's Not Just in My Head, and It's Not Just Irrelevant”: Autistic Negotiations of Menopausal Transitions

Karavidas

Visser

2021

J Autism Dev Disord

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Physical and psychological changes during menopause can be especially tumultuous for autistic people: difficulties with sensory sensitivity and daily functioning may be exacerbated. Through individual interviews, we examined the language used by seven peri- or post-menopausal autistic people to construct their experiences, and to consider the implications for their wellbeing and identities. Our analysis, which utilised thematic decomposition, yielded three discursive themes. The theme “Uncertainty about Changes” addressed how limited awareness and understanding of menopause combined with difficulties recognising internal states. However, with “Growing Self-Awareness and Self-Care”, some participants made conscious efforts to resist negative societal constructions of both autism and menopause. The theme “Navigating Support Options” addressed the interpersonal and systemic barriers participants faced when seeking support. There is a need for accessible information for autistic people experiencing menopause, and greater professional awareness.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“It's Not Just in My Head, and It's Not Just Irrelevant”: Autistic Negotiations of Menopausal Transitions

Karavidas

Visser

2021

J Autism Dev Disord

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“…South Asian immigrant women acknowledged that there is a negative association between aging and menopause 25 . Loss of fertility was cited as one of the reasons why aging and menopause are viewed negatively by some South Asian women 20 …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This positive cultural connotation influenced Sikh women to be better prepared for their transition 28 . However, five (45%, 5/11) of the included studies also found that patriarchal views and cultural taboos negatively impact the menopausal transition experience 19,20,25,27,28 . Due to communal cultural views, women felt unable to address sexual pain and discomfort 19,27 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Due to communal cultural views, women felt unable to address sexual pain and discomfort 19,27 . Additionally, knowledge regarding menopause was limited among the South Asian immigrant women population due to cultural secrecy surrounding sexual health 19,20,25 . Insufficient support, healthcare provision, and apathetic attitudes from healthcare professionals were also identified as a community barrier 27 …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…At the societal level, the positive effects of immigration have shown to be a constructive influence on the menopausal transition. One study found that migration facilitated greater communication about menopause and assisted women in challenging negative constructions or experiences of menopause 20 . Two studies (18%, 2/11) specifically explored acculturation impacts on the menopausal experience.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Menopausal experiences of South Asian immigrant women: a scoping review

et al. 2022

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Importance and Objective: South Asians make up a significant portion of global immigration. Immigrants often face challenges when navigating the healthcare system, which can influence their experience during the menopausal transition. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize the existing literature on South Asian immigrant women's menopausal experience.Methods: Various electronic databases were systematically searched to identify research articles. The menopausal experiences of South Asian immigrant women were examined.Results: A total of 11 studies were included in this scoping review. A variety of physical symptoms were reported, including vasomotor symptoms, musculoskeletal symptoms, somatic symptoms, and early onset of menopause. Psychosocial symptoms included anxiety, depression, and decreased memory/concentration. Cultural experiences were both positive and negative, depending on the connotations surrounding menopause. Individual facilitators for a healthy transition included education and employment. Familial barriers included a lack of knowledge and support. Community and societal factors were both positive and negative, depending on the level of acculturation. Self-management was the most widely used intervention.Discussions and Conclusion: Findings of this scoping review can help guide the development and evaluation of menopause interventions for South Asian immigrant women. Culturally sensitive care, increased discussion on sexual health, support networks, and reduction of socioeconomic barriers are needed to address the health needs of South Asian immigrant women. Further research is needed to better understand South Asian immigrant women's menopausal needs and help guide intervention design.

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