Factors Influencing Adaptation to Menopause in Middle-aged Women.

Abstract

To identify factors influencing adaptation to menopause in middle-aged women. Participants were 157 middle-aged women who visited Y gynecologic clinic in C city. Data were collected through interviews using the Korean CES-D (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression), climacteric symptoms, life event stress, and menopausal adaptation scale. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression using SPSS. There were significant differences in adaptation to menopause according to monthly income, life satisfaction, and marital satisfaction. Adaptation to menopause had significantly negative correlations with depression, climacteric symptoms, and life event stress. Depression, monthly income, climacteric symptoms, and life event stress were verified as factors affecting adaptation to menopause. These factors accounted for 41.9% of adaptation to menopause. These variables should be considered in nursing interventions to improve adaptation to menopause in middle-aged women. Individuals should have the will to overcome menopause positively and actively.