Journal article
Información es poder (information is power): menopause knowledge, attitudes, and experiences in midlife Hispanic women and Latinas
BMC women's health, Vol.24(1), 633
12/02/2024
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03434-z
PMCID: PMC11613912
PMID: 39623354
Abstract
BackgroundLatinas constitute nearly 20% of midlife women in the United States (U.S.), but remain underrepresented in menopause research. Many midlife Latinas are disadvantaged by limited English proficiency, less formal education, living below the federal poverty level, lack of health insurance, and social isolation and discrimination — factors that negatively affect menopause-related symptoms and health outcomes. This study aimed to understand knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of the menopause transition among midlife Latinas.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative descriptive study using five focus groups with 29 Hispanic/Latina midlife women. An emergent content analysis was performed by four bilingual coders. Data on socio-demographics, menopausal symptoms, menopause knowledge, and attitudes toward menopause and hormone therapy were collected over the phone. Descriptive statistics were performed to characterize study participants.ResultsParticipants were aged 50.3 ± 6.3 years, 45% postmenopausal, 79% viewed menopause positively, and 55% reported having “little knowledge” about menopause. Seven themes emerged: 1) menopause is a stage of life (una etapa de vida); 2) not wanting to become an old lady (no quererme hacer viejita); 3) in our culture, we do not ask [about menopause]; 4) family dynamics; 5) each body is different (todo cuerpo es diferente); 6) menopause self-management and treatment options; 7) information is power (información es poder).ConclusionsAlthough Latinas reported having a positive view of menopause, we found a need for culturally-tailored comprehensive menopause education. The importance of involving family members in menopause education was also revealed. Our next steps are to determine the best menopause messaging strategies and educational formats for midlife Latinas.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Información es poder (information is power): menopause knowledge, attitudes, and experiences in midlife Hispanic women and Latinas
- Creators
- Yamnia Cortés - University of IowaAndrea Cazales - University of North Carolina at Chapel HillValentina Mărginean - University of IowaMayra Duran - Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and ScienceLorena Trocel - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- BMC women's health, Vol.24(1), 633
- DOI
- 10.1186/s12905-024-03434-z
- PMID
- 39623354
- PMCID
- PMC11613912
- NLM abbreviation
- BMC Womens Health
- ISSN
- 1472-6874
- eISSN
- 1472-6874
- Publisher
- BioMed Central
- Grant note
- UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
We thank the women who agreed to participate in this study.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 12/02/2024
- Academic Unit
- Nursing
- Record Identifier
- 9984757276902771
Metrics
8 Record Views