African-American women's perception of menopause

This study describes the perceptions and practices related to menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) elicited by semistructured interview and questionnaire with 55 African-American women in focus groups. Major findings were as follows: (a) Menopause was perceived as a natural transition related to aging; (b) psychological symptoms were viewed more negatively than vasomotor symptoms; (c) self care and help-seeking practices were identified; (d) HRT was perceived negatively primarily due to fear of cancer; and (e) books and other women were main sources of information regarding menopause. The implications of these findings for health assessment, teaching, dissemination of information, and decision making are discussed.