On the Relationship Between Menopausal Symptoms and Spiritual Well-being

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between menopausal symptoms and spiritual well-being. In order to collect the research data, 350 questionaries were sent to the middle aged women who were 40-59 years old. During the collection period, March 20, 1977-April 20, 1977, 264 questionaries were collected. The questionnaire was prepared by using other researchers' scale, such as menopausal symptom scale by Neugarton and spiritual well-being scale by Paloutzian & Ellison. The research data were analyzed by various testable methods, such as frequency, t-test or ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation. The main results of this study were as follows ; Among the general characteristic variables, some variables have statistical significancy in explaining the difference of the menopausal symptoms. Such variables include age(F=5.17, p=0.002), years get married(F=4.23, p=0.002), number of children(F=3.08, p=0.028), income level of family(F=3.07, p=0.017), life style at leisure time(F=2.47, p=0.045). Some variables related to health condition could explain the differences of the menopausal symptoms among middle aged women. current menstruation stage(F=9.82, p=0.000), current health condition(F=9.82, p=0.000), and experience being operated in the past(F=9.82, p=0.000) are related to the menopausal symptoms. Serious menopausal symptoms which could be found in this study were 'back pain and joint pains(2.6)', nervousness(2.4), and psychosomatic symptom(1.97). Spiritual well-being inquiries could be classified into two subgroups, existential and religious. The mean score of existential well-being(3.04) was higher than that of religious well-being(2.76). Relatively higher existential well-being(3.10) was found in the women who have stable menstruation cycle. The age when the menopause began was related to spiritual well-being(F=3.29, p=0.046). The correlation between menopausal symptoms and spiritual well-being was statistically significant(r=-0.133, p=0.031). Based on the above results, nursing intervention program of menopausal symptoms is recommended in order to promote the health of middle-aged women.