The experiences and needs of Asian women experiencing menopausal symptoms: a meta-synthesis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences and needs of Asian women who were experiencing or had experienced menopause and to determine possible differences in experiences due to acculturation by comparing Asian women living in Asia and those living in Western countries. Methods: Six electronic databases were systematically searched: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, and ProQuest. The search resulted in 17 qualitative studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist. All 17 studies were analyzed using meta-summaries and, then, using meta-synthesis. Results: Five themes were identified from the 17 included studies (United States, n = 5; Asia, n = 12): (1) perceptions and attitudes toward menopause (n = 14), (2) physical and emotional experiences during menopause (n = 16), (3) changes in life and relationships (n = 11), (4) needs and coping strategies (n = 13), and (5) unique Asian experiences in Western societies (n = 5). Asian women generally had neutral or positive attitudes toward menopause, but their negative physical, emotional, and psychosocial experiences highlighted their unmet needs and unpreparedness for this phase of life. Diverse self-management strategies were adopted, but there was a high demand for more trustworthy informational resources. Asian women in Western societies were not highly acculturated and retained traditional practices. Conclusions: Although cultural influences serve as a protective factor against menopausal symptoms, the traditional and conservative nature of the Asian society poses as a help-seeking barrier. Therefore, to ensure the healthy well-being of postmenopausal women, the implementation of culturally appropriate mitigation and management strategies is necessary.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: effects on related factors, quality of life, and self-care power

“…Although similar in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, we believe that the results are different because the studies were conducted in different regions. Studies show that large differences both between and within cultures are influential in the perception of menopause, in terms of the menopausal behaviors and complaints in this period [27, 28]. Therefore, to ensure the healthy well-being of postmenopausal women, the implementation of culturally appropriate mitigation and management strategies is necessary [28].…”

Prevalence and Determinants of Genitourinary Syndrome among Postmenopausal Women of Eastern UP: A Cross Sectional Study

“…Studies show large differences between cultures, in sociodemographic and other determinants of GSM 21,22 . In the present study, GSM was more in patients with low socioeconomic status (OR= 1.40, P= 0.295551) and significantly associated with lower educational level (OR= 2.07, P= 0.026647) (table 4).…”

Efficacy of mind–body therapies and exercise‐based interventions on menopausal‐related outcomes among Asian perimenopause women: A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and synthesis without a meta‐analysis

“…An insignificant intervention effect was found in the meta‐analysis on hot flashes, which is contrary to the findings of a previous review (Woods et al, ) and a study (Avis, Legault, Russell, Weaver, & Danhauer, ) on MBTs that found significant effects on reducing hot flashes among Western and Asian perimenopausal and menopausal women. Western and Asian perimenopausal women have different menopausal symptoms, experiences, and needs (Shorey & Ng, ). It was reported that Asian perimenopausal women experienced lesser frequencies of hot flashes but more episodes of sleeplessness (Baber, ) compared with Western perimenopausal women.…”

“…However, a previous review on exercise for alleviating vasomotor menopausal symptoms noted insufficient evidence to suggest that exercise is an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms when compared with hormone therapy and yoga due to the lack of trials (Daley, An insignificant intervention effect was found in the meta-analysis on hot flashes, which is contrary to the findings of a previous review (Woods et al, 2014) and a study (Avis, Legault, Russell, Weaver, & Danhauer, 2014) on MBTs that found significant effects on reducing hot flashes among Western and Asian perimenopausal and menopausal women. Western and Asian perimenopausal women have different menopausal symptoms, experiences, and needs (Shorey & Ng, 2019).…”

“…Asian women were less likely to seek pharmacological treatments for their menopausal symptoms compared with their Western counterparts (Genazzani, Schneider, Panay, & Nijland, ; Huang, Xu, Narsi & Jaisamrarn, ). Asian perimenopausal women have different menopausal symptoms and coping experiences as compared with their Western counterparts (Shorey & Ng, ). It is needful and important to understand and manage menopausal symptoms among Asian perimenopausal women as their menopausal symptoms and coping experiences differs.…”