A Study of Factors Associated with Dietary Supplement Consumption in Menopausal Women.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to find factors associated with dietary supplement consumption in menopausal women, and to examine nursing support for maintaining and improving their health. We surveyed menopausal women (aged 40-60 years) using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The relationship between dietary supplement consumption status and individual characteristics, menopausal symptoms, the perception regarding menopause, sense of selfefficacy, and health promotion behaviors (HPB) were examined. HPB were measured using the Japanese version of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP). Responses were obtained from 256 women (response rate: 67.9%). Of these, 187 responses were valid and were included in our data analyses. Among the factors associated with dietary supplement consumption, we found significant correlations between the severity of menopausal symptoms, age, change in menstruation, surgical history, and the HPB items "participation in seminars" and "finding someone who can give advice." Of these, the most significant independent variable was the severity of menopausal symptoms. These results suggest that menopausal women became concerned about their health when their menstruation status changed and started taking dietary supplements according to these symptoms. To support health maintenance and improvement in menopausal women, nurses should provide information regarding menopause before its onset, hold health classes, and establish a consultation office for menopausal women.