THE CLIMACTERIC OF CHINESE FACTORY-WORKERS

Chinese factory workers (427) mainly of Fujian origin were found to ha ve few climacteric symptoms. Of these, 65% and 50% reported having no circulatory and nervosity symptoms, respectively. Only 18% of women ex perienced hot flushes. The climacteric symptoms were more pronounced a t the perimenopausal period (P < 0.001) when these women experienced m ore irregular menstruation. Low socio-economic status and educational level did not have adverse effects on the symptom reporting. High pari ty and employment may be positive factors in this period of change of life. A majority of women (74%) felt that the climacteric and menopaus e is a natural process which caused them no concern. Of those who were still menstruating 80% did not anticipate that they would have proble ms with the climacteric and menopause. These women's different climact eric pattern could be related to their introspective abilities to cope adequately or in an impersonal manner.