Perceptions and experiences of Laotian women living in Australia with managing menopause

Abstract

A more universal approach to an understanding of menopause can offer health professionals a broader view of the phenomenon. Menopause is an important time in a woman's life. As her body is going through changes that can affect her social life, her feelings about herself and her ability to work. In the past, menopause was often surrounded by misconceptions and myths. Now, it is recognized that menopause is a natural step in the process of aging. However, different ethnic cultures perceive and experience menopause differently. Women in some Asian cultures, such as Chinese, Indian and Laotian cultures hold more esteemed positions in their culture when they are older and menopausal, while western societies may devalue the role of women as they age. The purpose of this thesis was to examine the perceptions and the experiences of women with Laotian cultural backgrounds living in Victoria, Australia, in regards to how they manage menopause, and to examine the Laotian cultural influence on the perceptions of menopause. The research methodology was decided to use surveys or structured interviews as the means of collecting data. The survey was used to collect demographic data, and record social demographic and cultural factors, menopausal symptoms and menopausal management. Data was collected from 55 Laotian women residing in Victoria. Participating women were recruited by word of mouth, and through a Laotian community representative of Victoria. One of the three methods, such as interviewer-administered questionnaire, self-administered questionnaire and telephone interviewing was used to survey Laotian women who were aged between 45 and 65years old