Abstract:

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate affecting factors on perceived social support and attitudes towards menopause and the relationship between perceived social support and attitudes towards menopause of Turkish women. Methods: The study was planned as a descriptive and cross-sectional design. The data were collected with questionnaire form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Attitudes towards Menopause Scale. Results: A majority of women (66.7%) had a negative attitude towards menopause. Strong perceived social support positively affects women’s attitudes towards menopause. Woman who have higher education level, being age 50 and under, working, being single, having normal BMI, and being in a nuclear family had more positive attitude towards menopause. Other factors were a husband who is a civil servant and with higher education, having a higher income perception and positive health perception, living in a province, physical exercise, being premenopausal, being informed about menopause. The perceived social support scale scores were higher than for other women in the following categories:  age 50 and under, higher education level, working, higher income perception, single, living in a province, physical exercise, and positive health perception. Conclusion: In conclusion, the majority of women had negative attitudes toward menopause and perceived social support during menopause was at low levels. The perceived social support and attitude towards menopause correlated. Informational programs need to be focused on developing positive attitudes in both women and men to help couples and strengthening women’s social support and preparation during menopause.

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