Relationship between psychosocial factors and health behaviours for women experiencing menopause

Abstract

This study investigated the psychosocial factors related to the health behaviours of women at menopause. These health behaviours included choice of intervention by women for menopause, particularly consultation of health professionals, use of hormone replacement therapy and preferred information sources. A postal questionnaire was distributed to a structured random population-based sample of 400 women in the 45-54 years age group living in south-east Queensland, Australia. Explanatory variables were: attitudes to menopause, social functioning, mental health, vitality, preventive health practices and lifestyle factors. This study found that information, preventive health practices, attitudes towards menopause, exercise, number of children living at home, years of formal education and working in paid employment, were related to the health behaviours of women at menopause. The study concludes that a number of related psychosocial factors not associated with hormonal changes may influence the health behaviours of menopausal women. It will be important for nurses, other health professionals and counsellors to decide how best to respond to these findings in consultation with the women affected by their decisions.