Menopausal symptoms and attitudes toward menopause among women in Turkey: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Scientific Reports, cilt.16, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 16 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1038/s41598-026-60427-8
- Dergi Adı: Scientific Reports
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Zoological Record, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Attitudes toward menopause, Climacterium, Menopausal symptoms, Menopause, Meta-analysis, Systematic review
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Menopause is a natural transition that can produce vasomotor, somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms, and women’s attitudes toward menopause may shape both symptom experience and help-seeking. Evidence from Türkiye has not been quantitatively synthesized. To synthesize the severity and prevalence of menopausal symptoms and attitudes toward menopause among women in the menopausal period in Türkiye. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA and COSMOS-E guidance and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251119487). We searched national and international databases in June 2025. Risk of bias was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for cross-sectional studies. Data were synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis, exploratory subgroup/moderator analyses, and narrative synthesis; small-study effects (funnel plots and Egger’s test) and the certainty of evidence (GRADE-informed appraisal) were also assessed. In total, 41 studies (published 2011–2025; combined sample n = 7,509; age range largely 40–65 years) were included. The pooled mean Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) total score was 17.42 (95% CI 15.54–19.30; I²=98.8%), with subscale means highest for psychological (6.79) and lowest for urogenital (4.04) symptoms. The most frequently reported symptom was hot flushes (44.2%), and the least frequent was sexual problems (18.0%). The pooled mean Attitude Toward Menopause Scale (ATMS/MİTÖ) score was 40.81 (95% CI 35.69–45.94; I²=98.8%), reflecting moderately positive attitudes. Between-study heterogeneity was very high across analyses, and the overall certainty of evidence was low to very low. Among midlife women in Türkiye, menopausal symptoms are on average moderate, with psychological complaints most prominent and hot flushes most frequently reported, and attitudes toward menopause are on average moderately positive. Because of very high heterogeneity, possible small-study effects, and limited control of confounding in the primary studies, the pooled estimates should be interpreted as descriptive summaries rather than precise national estimates. The findings can inform tailored, culturally appropriate education and symptom-management services in women’s health care.