The Experience of Menopause As reported by Sedentary Women

The Experience of Menopause As Reported by Sedentary Women by April Elizabeth Ann Rietdyk M.H. S. , Athabasca University, 2005 B.Sc.N. , University of Western Ontario, 1985 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University November 2011 Abstract Limited research exists on the experiences of sedentary women as they transition through menopause. This gap creates difficulty for public health practitioners as they strive to develop resources, implement programs, or influence policy change at the community level for this group of marginalized women. Keeping women healthy throughout the aging process, including menopause, improves their quality of life and decreases the impact aging has on the health care system. This phenomenological study, through indepth interviews, provided the opportunity for sedentary women to share their thoughts and experiences of menopause. Thirteen sedentary women between the ages of 40 and 60, experiencing at least one sign of menopause and residing within a rural community in Canada, participated in the study. Analysis of the data generated themes to support and describe their experience of menopause. For this group of sedentary women, menopause signaled a significant life change, impacted by a number of internal and external forces over which they articulated varying levels of control. How women reacted to this life change and their perceived amount of control determined whether they described their menopause experience as positive or negative. While the thought of increasing their physical activity level was not appealing, there was a desire for support in numbers. If women were speaking openly about menopause, more opportunities would exist for aging women; participants desired to improve the menopause transition for all women not just women in their circle of friends. Women helping other women, improved public health programs and services, and potential policy change that encourage healthy choices at the group and community level can result in positive social change for menopausal women.Limited research exists on the experiences of sedentary women as they transition through menopause. This gap creates difficulty for public health practitioners as they strive to develop resources, implement programs, or influence policy change at the community level for this group of marginalized women. Keeping women healthy throughout the aging process, including menopause, improves their quality of life and decreases the impact aging has on the health care system. This phenomenological study, through indepth interviews, provided the opportunity for sedentary women to share their thoughts and experiences of menopause. Thirteen sedentary women between the ages of 40 and 60, experiencing at least one sign of menopause and residing within a rural community in Canada, participated in the study. Analysis of the data generated themes to support and describe their experience of menopause. For this group of sedentary women, menopause signaled a significant life change, impacted by a number of internal and external forces over which they articulated varying levels of control. How women reacted to this life change and their perceived amount of control determined whether they described their menopause experience as positive or negative. While the thought of increasing their physical activity level was not appealing, there was a desire for support in numbers. If women were speaking openly about menopause, more opportunities would exist for aging women; participants desired to improve the menopause transition for all women not just women in their circle of friends. Women helping other women, improved public health programs and services, and potential policy change that encourage healthy choices at the group and community level can result in positive social change for menopausal women. The Experience of Menopause As reported by Sedentary Women by April Elizabeth Ann Rietdyk M.H. S. , Athabasca University, 2005 B.Sc.N. , University of Western Ontario, 1985 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University November 2011 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent on the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. All rights reserved. This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 1346 UMI 3475132 Copyright 2011 by ProQuest LLC. UMI Number: 3475132 Dedication I am dedicating my dissertation to menopausal women around the globe. May you find health, happiness, peace, and understanding, through menopause and the second half of your lives. Acknowledgments Words can never express the gratitude I feel towards the people who have stood by me over the years. First, to my husband and life-long friend, Paul, I could not have done this without your support, encouragement, and never fading ability to emanate perseverance despite insurmountable odds. To my children, Kaitlyn, Jared, and Evan, the three of you have grown beautifully into adulthood; each in your own unique way, and our family is stronger for it. Kaitlyn, your love for the arts shines through in everything you do; never stop living your dream. Jared, your calm and gentle demeanor creates a bond between you and everyone you meet; never stop taking the time to care. Evan, your headstrong passion for creating and building things from nothing always makes me laugh; stay true to yourself and you will go far. Amanda, your smile has been a welcomed addition to our family and I have watched you grow into a beautiful young woman. Breanna, thank you for my beautiful grandbaby Eleanor; babies have a way of putting everything into perspective, especially when things get crazy in our lives. I could not ask for a better family to have shared this journey with. To my friends and colleagues, leaders every one of you, thank you for stepping in whenever I needed you. To my dissertation chair, Dr. Amany Refaat and my committee members, Dr. Sigrin Newell, and Dr. Georjean Stoodt, a heartfelt thank you for the support, feedback, and guidance over the last year. Special thanks to Lisa Powers, my research assistant. I hope your participation in this inquiry has meant as much to you as it has to me. Finally, to my parents, George and Nancy Taylor, whose enduring love for each other provided a home and foundation where I was free to live, laugh, love, and continue learning. Without the two of you, this journey would not have been possible and for that, I am truly grateful. I can only hope that every day I make you proud.