Experience of menopausal symptoms by Chinese and Canadian women

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the differences in frequency and distress caused by menopausal symptoms experienced by Canadian and Chinese women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Canada and China. SETTING: The Canadian studies were conducted in Toronto. The Chinese data were collected in Guangzhou City. PARTICIPANTS: Women, 47-62 years old, 2-7 years after a natural menopause, were recruited. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-two Canadians were recruited for two menopause studies. Data from 297 Chinese were obtained through a household survey. From a 105-item symptom questionnaire, women indicated the frequency and distress caused by symptoms in the previous month. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency and mean distress score of problems were ranked and compared. Using the importance score method, a Chinese questionnaire was constructed and compared with the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. RESULTS: The frequency of symptoms and distress experienced by Canadian and Chinese women differed markedly. Fourteen of the 29 items differed between the Chinese questionnaire and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: There are striking differences between Chinese and Canadian women in the frequency and distress caused by menopausal symptoms. The Canadian questionnaire may not be relevant for Chinese women.