Experiences of Women in Turkey on Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine Methods Against The Symptoms of Menopause: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year 2020, Volume: 10 Issue: 4, 407 - 415, 30.12.2020

Hacer Ataman , Yılda Arzu Aba , Melike Dişsiz , Sevcan Sevimli

https://doi.org/10.33808/clinexphealthsci.756512

Cited By: 2

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) applications that women have been using against the symptoms of menopause.

Methods: The research was conducted in descriptive design with the women between the ages of 45 and 60 (n=629). A “Questionnaire Form” and “Menopause Rating Scale (MRS)” were used in data collection process.

Results: It was determined that women, who were aged 55 and over, were married, had at least 5-year education, and had chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension and had treatment for her diseases, obtained higher scores than the total of MRS and sub-dimensions of the scale at a statistically significant level (p<0.05); 52% of the sample stated that they benefited at least one of CAM methods to cope with menopausal complaints. The most commonly used methods were determined to be praying/worship (33.2%), massage (19.2%) and phytotherapy (14.8%) respectively.

Conclusion: An increase in menopausal complaints were observed in various sub-dimensions of the used scale for those who benefited from praying/worship, massage applications and vitamin/mineral supplements while a decrease in menopausal complaints and an increase in life standards were observed for those who applied hydrotherapy, chiropractic, cup therapy, reflexology and osteopathy methods.

Keywords

Woman, Menopause, Menopause Symptoms, complementary and alternative medicine

Thanks

The authors are responsible for the content of this article. We extend our thanks to all of the staff at the medical center where the study was conducted, as well as to each one of the woman who participated in the research.

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