Does social support affect menopausal symptoms in menopausal women?

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of perceived social support of menopausal women on their menopausal complaints. DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 505 women. The data were obtained using personal information form, menopause rating scale, and multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Frequency, percentage, t test, analysis of variance Skewness and Kurtosis (±1) and correlation were used in the analysis of the data. FINDINGS: In the study, it was found that there was a positive and significant relationship between menopausal symptoms and social support, and menopausal symptoms decreased as social support increased. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses should provide consultancy for women to increase their social support systems to decrease their menopausal complaints.

Examining sexual functions of women before and after menopause in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Sexuality is an important factor that completes the lives of individuals and affects people in all age groups. OBJECTIVES: To examine the sexual functions of women before and after menopause. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Family Health Centers in Tunceli Turkey,\ between September 2014 and February 2015. The study data were obtained using a Questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index. The data were analyzed by number, percentage distribution, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and using binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean Female Sexual Function Index score of the women was 23.8±8.0. The Female Sexual Function Index score of 59.7% of women was below the cut-off score (26.55) and was accepted indicative of sexual dysfunction. Low educational level (P < 0.01), low income (P < 0.01), and menopausal status (P < 0.0001) of the women were risk factors for sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the women was very high and they indicated no effort to seek medical care. Low educational and income level and menopausal status of the women were three factors increasing the risk of sexual dysfunction. Awareness of the society and the healthcare professionals about the issue should be increased.