Adaptation to Menopause and Use of Yangsaeng in Middle-aged Korean Women.

Purpose: The study addressed the adaption of middle-aged Korean women to menopause, including the use of Yangsaeng, a traditional health care regimen that incorporates specific principles and methods to promote health and prevent illness, with the aim of improving health and longevity of life.

Methods: Middle-aged women (40~59 years, n=171) residing in Seoul and Gyeong-Gi Province. Data was collected by using a self-reported questionnaire. Menopausal period adaptation was measured by 29 items in four categories (physical, self-concept, role function, and inter-dependent). Yangsaeng was measured by 31 questionnaire items in eight categories (morality, mind, diet, activity and rest, exercise, sleep, seasonal, and sexuality).

Results: Significant differences in menopausal adaptation were evident on the basis of participant education and income. There were significant differences in Yangsaeng in terms of participant education, nature of employment, and income. Menopausal adaptation positively correlated to use of Yangsaeng. Physical adaptation, self-concept adaptation, role function adaptation, and inter-dependent adaptation positively correlated to morality Yangsaeng, mind Yangsaeng, and activity and rest Yangsaeng.

Conclusion: Middle-aged Korean women who practice Yangsaeng may be better positioned to adapt to menopause. Yangsaeng may be an advantageous nursing intervention in this population.