WOMENS PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF MENOPAUSE - A FOCUS GROUP-STUDY

Focus groups were used to investigate women's perception and experienc e of menopause, hormone replacement therapy osteoporosis and doctor-pa tient relationships. Forty women aged between 45 and 55 years particip ated in seven focus groups. Most women thought that these topics were not widely or freely discussed in the community Nevertheless they were able to share their experiences on this occasion. Lack of reliable, a ccessible and current information on menopause and related topics was identified as a problem. This was compounded by the contradictory natu re of the information which was available. Hysterectomy and osteoporos is were identified as specific areas in which information was inadequa te and not readily accessible. Solutions suggested by the women includ ed distributing information pamphlets with contact numbers for further information to non-health-related settings such as hairdressing salon s. The need to foster open discussion between women and their doctors was highlighted, with contributions required from both parties to deve lop a more equal partnership. A review of doctors' and women's surveil lance practices with regard to hormone replacement therapy may also be warranted. We found focus groups a useful method for accessing women' s experiences and perceptions. There was particular benefit in researc hers being involved as moderators and scribes, and in an early post-fo cus group meeting to amplify and clarify records of the discussions. S mall group size and an emphasis on confidentiality were, we believe, h elpful strategies in encouraging discussion of intimate topics.