Menopausal experiences of South Asian immigrant women: a scoping review

Abstract

Importance and Objective: South Asians make up a significant portion of global immigration. Immigrants often face challenges when navigating the healthcare system, which can influence their experience during the menopausal transition. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize the existing literature on South Asian immigrant women's menopausal experience.Methods: Various electronic databases were systematically searched to identify research articles. The menopausal experiences of South Asian immigrant women were examined.Results: A total of 11 studies were included in this scoping review. A variety of physical symptoms were reported, including vasomotor symptoms, musculoskeletal symptoms, somatic symptoms, and early onset of menopause. Psychosocial symptoms included anxiety, depression, and decreased memory/concentration. Cultural experiences were both positive and negative, depending on the connotations surrounding menopause. Individual facilitators for a healthy transition included education and employment. Familial barriers included a lack of knowledge and support. Community and societal factors were both positive and negative, depending on the level of acculturation. Self-management was the most widely used intervention.Discussions and Conclusion: Findings of this scoping review can help guide the development and evaluation of menopause interventions for South Asian immigrant women. Culturally sensitive care, increased discussion on sexual health, support networks, and reduction of socioeconomic barriers are needed to address the health needs of South Asian immigrant women. Further research is needed to better understand South Asian immigrant women's menopausal needs and help guide intervention design.

Present situation and analysis of factors affecting perimenopausal syndrome among clinical nurses—a cross-sectional survey

“…The perimenopausal phase generally refers to women aged between 40-55 years and indicates that women are entering a period of physiological change related to reproductive aging (3). Perimenopausal syndrome is characterized by a range of specific symptoms due to dynamic changes in sex hormones and reproductive function (4), such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and joint pains (5)(6)(7). It has been reported that there are approximately 167 million women in the perimenopausal phase in China at present, and that the incidence of perimenopausal syndrome is 68.1% (8).…”

Midlife Transition Experiences of South Asian Immigrant Women in Canada: A Qualitative Exploration

“…Contrastingly, South Asian participants in this study perceived menopause as a negative phenomenon and had limited knowledge on the topic due to secrecy and taboo culture. Additionally, a scoping review on the menopausal experiences of South Asian immigrant women globally found both positive and negative experiences but did not investigate in-depth other midlife transitions besides menopause (Zou et al, 2022). It is evident that women around the world have differing views and perceptions about the midlife transition.…”