An exploratory study of postmenopausal women's views of health maintenance

Abstract

This research aims to illuminate the reality of health and health maintenance as four postmenopausal women understand and experience it. The research employs feminist methodology, informed by postmodern feminist writers, in order to allow maximum flexibility and to be congruent with supporting the exploratory nature of the research. The women in the study self-nominated as postmenopausal, and functioned equally as co-researchers with the researcher in a focus group which met twice for one-hour audiotaped interviews. The resultant combined statement on health was produced after thematic analysis of the data and individual reflexion, and represents the values these women hold, that health is largely attitudinal. "Health is not what happens to you physically, emotionally or mentally, but how you deal with it." It is notable that the women did not mention nurses as having a role in their health maintenance, nor were other health professionals considered to be essential. As well, hormone replacement therapy - a common theme in women's conversation and lay women's literature - was not mentioned as being integral to the women's health maintenance. The methodological approach means that the research is non-generalisable. However, the findings may add to existing knowledge about the prevailing health concerns of postmenopausal women, may enhance the discourse, and may identify the need for further research. It is anticipated that some articles arising from the thesis may be published in reputable nursing, feminist, and health policy journals.