Making sense of evolving information on menopause, and weighing the many possible alternative health strategies, pose several challenges to women as they make decisions about managing the changes of menopause and prevention of long term health problems. Little is known about how ethnic minority women make decisions about managing menopausal changes. In order to design culturally sensitive and effective health promotion programs for mid-life ethnic minority women, cultural factors that influence both patient-provider communication and decision-making about options for managing changes associated with menopause must be identified. We present findings from an exploratory study that is part of a larger project to design and evaluate an interactive multimedia program to educate diverse groups of women about menopause and support their decision-making about options for managing menopausal changes. The purpose of this study was to examine cultural influences on patient-provider communication and decision-making about menopause. Three focus groups with each of seven ethnic groups (African-American, Caucasian-American, Chinese-American, Filipino-American, Mexican-American, Native-American, and Puerto Rican-American), averaging 10 women each, were conducted with women aged 35-50. Facilitators followed a structured focus group discussion guide. Group discussions were audio-taped, the tapes were transcribed and data were analyzed using content analysis techniques. Results will be presented on the impact of cultural values on patient-provider communication and decision-making about managing the short and long term changes associated with menopause. Implications for the design of health education and promotion strategies for ethnic minority women will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. List characteristics of patient-provider communication in women from seven different ethnic groups; 2. List cultural factors which impact decision-making about menopause; 3. Apply the findings to educational interventions about menopause for diverse groups of women
Keywords: Menopause, Ethnic Minorities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.