Exploring Perception of Menopausal Symptoms and Social Support Seeking Behavior among Post-menopausal Women: A Qualitative Study

TL;DR

This study explores how post-menopausal women perceive menopausal symptoms and seek social support, revealing low awareness and cultural barriers to healthcare.

Contribution

The study provides novel insights into post-menopausal women's perceptions and health-seeking behaviors in a specific cultural context.

Findings

Women had low awareness of menopausal symptoms and often viewed them as a normal life phase.

Cultural factors like reliance on home births and discomfort with male doctors limited healthcare use.

Community engagement varied, with some women sharing experiences while others avoided participation.

Abstract

Menopause is a natural phenomenon, however symptoms persist in many women. Geographical location and individual factors influence the perception and care-seeking behavior. There are virtually very limited studies exploring the perception and health seeking behavior of women in post menopause. Thus, this study aims to explore the perception of women regarding menopausal symptoms and individual, family, institutional and community level support for addressing the symptoms among post-menopausal women.

An exploratory qualitative study design was conducted among the post menopausal women with symptoms residing in Dhulikhel Municipality. In-depth interviews were taken among 14 participants following a socio-ecological framework. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using deductive inductive thematic analysis approach.

Findings revealed the low level of awareness among women regarding knowledge and perception of menopausal symptoms. Furthermore, most of the women perceived menopause as a normal phase of life and didn’t recognize the symptoms. Limited awareness, past reliance on home births, and discomfort with male doctors reduced women’s use of health facilities. Community engagement varied some women shared experiences through local networks, while others avoided participation due to age, low literacy, or perceived irrelevance.

The findings from the study highlight the need for culturally sensitive and gender-responsive interventions that strengthen health education, family involvement, community engagement, and empathetic healthcare to improve women’s well-being during and after menopause.