Powell, D. L. and Gilliss, C. L., Guest editorial: Building capacity and competency in conducting health disparities research.,
Nursing outlook, vol. 53 no. 3
(May-Jun, 2005),
pp. 107-8, ISSN 0029-6554 [doi]
(last updated on 2012/03/20)
Abstract:
The transition into menopause is an experience that is unique to every woman. This experience can encompass anything from an occasional hot flash to complete and utter distress. Considerable attention is being paid to African-American women as they transition through menopause, but their use of symptom self-care strategies is an area that would benefit from further research. Findings from this study are part of a larger five-year study exploring biopsychosocial health and wellness among diverse midlife women. This report includes identification of symptom prevalence, symptom distress, and self-care strategies used by midlife African-American women during a six-month time period. Prevalent or severe symptoms included fatigue, headaches, cramps, night sweats, and depression. Most self-care strategies were "passive" strategies, such as 'faith," "think," "accept," or "value/believe/forgive self". It is recommended that health-care providers inquire about other symptoms that might accompany classic vasomotor menopausal symptoms and identify "active" self-care strategies that ameliorate specific symptoms.
Keywords:
Consumer Participation • Cooperative Behavior • Ethnic Groups* • Health Services Accessibility* • Health Services Needs and Demand • Health Services Research • Humans • Life Style • Minority Groups* • Nursing • Professional Competence • Research Design • Socioeconomic Factors • organization & administration* • standards • standards* • statistics & numerical data
