Does Perceived Social Support and Stressful Events in Life Affect Menopausal Symptoms?

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Pelit Aksu S., Alkaş S., İş M.

II. Uluslararsı III. Ulusal Kadın Sağlığı Hemşireliği Kongresi, Ankara, Türkiye, 21 - 23 Aralık 2023, ss.373

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Ankara
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.373
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective:This study aims to examine the effect of social support and stress upon menopausal symptoms and the correlation among social support and stress. Method:This descriptive and correlation research.The sample of the study consisted of 451 women between the ages of 45-65 who were in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal period according to the STRAW staging system.In data collection,Descriptive Information Form, Stressful Events in Life Form,Menopausal Symptoms Assessment Scale (MSAS) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used. Results:Women’s MSAS mean scores were found to be 23.41 ± 9.75 while their MSPSS mean scores were found to be 48.07±18.05.In this study,MSAS mean scores of those who were under 50 years of age, those having a high level of education, those who are employed, those who are in premenopausal periods, those with knowledge of menopause, those relying on herbal treatment to reduce menopausal symptoms, those receiving psychological support and attending social events and those whose children left home during this period were found to be significantly higher (p<0.05).While MSPSS mean scores of women who have high economic status and those practicing certain actions were found to be higher, MSPSS mean scores of women suffering from stress as their children home during this period were found to be lower.It was determined there was a statistically significant, weakly negative relationship between the severity of menopausal symptoms experienced by women and perceived social support and the severity of menopausal symptoms experienced(r:-0.321, p<0.001). Conculusion:It was determined that the perceived social support and certain stressful events affect severity of menopausal symptoms.Health professionals must give counselling to women about menopausal symptoms and the ways to cope with them.It is also essential to organize training programs and ensure women and their spouses develop positive attitudes towards menopausal changes as well as encouraging them to participate in social events. Anahtar Kelimeler: Menopausal symptoms, menopause, social support, stressful events, stress.