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Metas de Enfermería

Metas de Enfermería

MARZO 2008 N° 2 Volumen 11

Perception of menopause among different cultures: a review of the literature

Section: Featured Articles

How to quote

Leyva Moral JM. Percepción de la menopausia entre las diferentes culturas: revisión de la literatura. Metas de Enferm mar 2008; 11(2): 10-14

Authors

Juan Manuel Leyva Moral

Position

Diplomado Universitario en Enfermería por la EUI Santa Madrona, Barcelona. Máster en Ciencias de la Enfermería por la Universidad de Edimburgo, Escocia. Docente de la EUI Santa Madrona, Barcelona.

Contact address

EUE Santa Madrona. C/ Escorial, 177. 08024 Barcelona.

Contact email: juan.leyva@yahoo.es

Abstract

In the last fifty years menopause has been considered a medical problem in most western countries. In our culture, symptoms such as heat rushes, headaches, dizzy spells, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, depression and emotional problems are typically related to menopause. However, multiethnic studies suggest that women’s response to the cessation of menstruation can also be directly associated with cultural factors.
Objective: the objective of this review of the literature is to explore and analyse the different perceptions and routines relating to menopause directly associated with the cultural background.
Results: the following areas are examined: search for help, attitudes with regard to menopause, signs and symptoms, self-care, socioeconomic influence, and, lastly, perception of the healthcare system.
Conclusion: a large number of factors can influence not only on how menopause is experienced, but also on the attitudes and perception of women. These factors appear to be related to cultural aspects, and hence, when it comes to designing nursing care intervention, these factors must be born in mind.

Versión en Español

Título:

Percepción de la menopausia entre las diferentes culturas: revisión de la literatura