Publication:

Exploring experiences, perceived barriers and needs of menopausal women: a qualitative meta synthesis

This study aimed to identify, compare, and synthesize qualitative evidence to understand the experiences, perceived barriers, and needs of women undergoing menopause. A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to integrate findings across multiple studies and provide a comprehensive view of menopausal experiences. Published articles were systematically searched in PsycINFO, PubMed, ABSCO, Embase, and selected journals, along with reference lists, focusing on studies published since 2020. Eleven articles meeting predefined criteria were included in the synthesis. The studies included 227 participants experiencing natural or surgical menopause across diverse cultural contexts, including Sri Lanka, India, Iran, China, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA. Sample sizes ranged from 12 to 30, with ages spanning 35–65 years. The synthesis identified five overarching themes capturing the multidimensional experiences of menopausal women. These themes reflected the interplay of physical, emotional, social, and healthcare-related challenges during the menopausal transition. The findings highlight significant challenges faced by women during menopause. Strengthening coping strategies, facilitating peer support, providing empathetic and holistic care, and addressing societal taboos are essential strategies to help women navigate menopause with dignity, resilience, and improved quality of life.