Examining The Attitudes Of Reproductive-Aged Women And Their Spouses Toward Menopause

Yıl 2026, Cilt: 11 Sayı: 1, 55 - 66, 05.02.2026

Tuğba Öz , Çisem Baştarcan

https://doi.org/10.35232/estudamhsd.1760510

Öz

Cultural and ethnic characteristics of societies are among the significant factors influencing the attitudes of women and their spouses toward menopause. Whether menopause is perceived as a natural phase of life or a disease plays a critical role in shaping these attitudes. This cross-sectional and analytical study aimed to determine the attitudes of married women of reproductive-age and their husbands towards menopause. The sample consisted of 316 reproductive-aged married women and their spouses who visited the gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic of a university hospital between January and June 2024, met the inclusion criteria, and voluntarily agreed to participate. Data were collected using the Participant Information Form developed by the researchers and the “Attitude Towards Menopause Scale.” The mean age of the women was 37.92±7.26 years, while that of the men was 40.98±8.63 years. While 72.5% of the women reported having received information about menopause, only 38.6% of the men stated the same. The mean total score of women on the Attitude Towards Menopause Scale was found to be 40.12±10.04. Statistically significant differences were observed between women and men regarding their views on menopause-related statements such as “Menopause is a disease,” “Menopause is beneficial,” and “Sexuality decreases during menopause” (p<0.05). This study reveals gender-based differences in knowledge, perception, and attitudes regarding menopause. While women possessed more information about menopause, men exhibited more knowledge gaps and prejudiced evaluations. These findings underscore the importance of educational programs that include men and are based on a gender-sensitive approach. Implementing such education efforts at the family and community levels is crucial for fostering healthier and more supportive attitudes toward menopause.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Menopause , attitude , married women , men , knowledge

Etik Beyan

Before starting the study, ethical approval was obtained from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the University (dated 28.11.2023 / No: E-72128186-439). All participants were informed about the purpose of the study, that participation was voluntary, their personal information would remain confidential, and that they could withdraw from the study at any time if they wished. Participants were asked to read the informed consent form and, if they agreed to participate, to sign the section indicating “I agree to participate in the study” before starting the questionnaire. The study was conducted by the Declaration of Helsinki.

Teşekkür

The authors thank the reproductive women who volunteered to participate in this study.

Üreme Çağındaki Evli Kadınların ve Eşlerinin Menopoza Yönelik Tutumlarının İncelenmesi

Öz

Menopoz hakkındaki tutumları etkileyen önemli faktörler arasında toplumun kültürel ve etnik özellikleri yer almaktadır. Kadınların ve eşlerinin menopozu yaşamın doğal bir süreci ya da bir hastalık olarak görmelerinin menopoz hakkındaki tutumlarını etkilediği bilinmektedir. Bu araştırma, üreme çağındaki evli kadınların ve eşlerinin menopoza yönelik tutumlarını belirlemek amacıyla kesitsel ve analitik tipte yapıldı. Araştırmanın örneklemini, Ocak 2024–Haziran 2024 tarihleri arasında bir üniversite hastanesinin kadın hastalıkları ve doğum polikliniğine başvuran, gönüllü ve araştırma kriterlerini karşılayan 316 üreme çağındaki kadın ve eşleri oluşturdu. Veriler, araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan Katılımcı Bilgi Formu ve Menopoza İlişkin Tutum Ölçeği kullanılarak toplandı. Verilerin analizinde tanımlayıcı istatistiklerin yanı sıra, gruplar arası karşılaştırmalarda uygun parametrik ve non-parametrik testler kullanıldı. Üreme çağındaki kadınların yaş ortalaması 37,92±7,26 yıl, erkeklerin yaş ortalaması ise 40,98±8,63 yıl olarak belirlendi. Kadınların %72,5’i menopoz hakkında bilgi aldığını belirtirken, erkeklerde bu sıklık %38,6’dır. Kadınların “Menopoza İlişkin Tutum Ölçeği” toplam puan ortalaması 40,12±10,04 olarak saptandı. “Menopoz bir hastalıktır", “Menopoz yararlıdır”, “Menopozda cinsellik azalır” menopoza yönelik verilen görüşlerde çiftler arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklar saptandı (p<0,05). Çalışma bulguları, menopoz konusundaki bilgi, algı ve tutumların cinsiyete göre anlamlı biçimde farklılaştığını ortaya koymaktadır. Kadınlar konuya dair daha fazla bilgiye sahipken, erkekler daha fazla bilgi eksikliği ve önyargı içeren değerlendirmeler yapmaktadır. Bu durum, özellikle erkeklerin de dâhil olduğu aile ve toplum temelli eğitim programlarının önemini vurgulamaktadır. Toplumsal cinsiyet perspektifiyle ele alınan eğitim çalışmalarının yapılmasının, menopoza ilişkin daha sağlıklı ve destekleyici tutumların gelişmesinde önemlidir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Menopoz , tutum , evli kadınlar , erkekler , bilgi

Kaynakça

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