Other Titles
Experiences of Ghanaian Men During Their Spouses' Menopausal Transition [Title Slide]
Abstract
Background: Menopause involves a range of physical, emotional, behavioural and physiological changes that may affect the quality of life of women and their partners. Usually, men endure in silence and seem invisible. Evidence shows a dearth of literature on men’s perspectives regarding their spouses’ menopause in Sub-Saharan Africa (Zhang et al., 2020; Matina et al., 2025). The study explored Ghanaian men’s experiences during their spouses menopausal transition.
Method: The study utilised an exploratory, descriptive qualitative approach to understand the phenomenon. Thirteen men living with wives experiencing menopause involved in the study based on information power. Interviews were conducted face-to-face and audio-recorded based on informed consent. Thematic analysis was used to generate codes, sub-themes, and themes.
Findings: Three themes 1) men’s perception of menopause 2) attitude towards menopause and 3) men’s coping abilities with corresponding six sub-themes were generated. The findings revealed that men were knowledgeable about menopause. They readily showed empathy and commitment, creating a supportive environment and providing physical and emotional support for their spouses. However, men were frustrated with their wives’ nagging and forgetful behaviour which was overwhelming. They were extremely concerned with their unmet sexual needs, which negatively impacted their relationship.
Conclusion: Targeted public health education focusing on comprehensive menopause management would be beneficial. Additionally, menopausal clinics and wellness clinics should provide institutional support that equips couples with coping mechanisms to enhance their quality of life and improve their relationship during this transitional phase.
Notes
Additional references included in attached slide deck.
References:
Zhang, X., Wang, G., Wang, H., Wang, X., Ji, T., Hou, D., ... & Zhu, B. (2020). Spouses’ perceptions of and attitudes toward female menopause: a mixed-methods systematic review. Climacteric, 23(2), 148-157.
Matina, S. S., Cohen, E., Mokwena, K., & Mendenhall, E. (2025). Menopause and aging in sub-Saharan Africa: a narrative review. Climacteric, 1-12.
Sigma Membership
Chi Omicron
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Descriptive/Correlational
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Public and Community Health, Primary Care, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Menopause, Spouses, Psychology of Spouses, Marital Relations, Men's Attitudes, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana
Recommended Citation
Agyare, Veronica Adwoa; Benti, Martha Yawa; and Atiemo, Martha, "Male Partners' Experiences During Their Spouses' Menopausal Transition" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 139.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/139
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-08-06
Male Partners' Experiences During Their Spouses' Menopausal Transition
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background: Menopause involves a range of physical, emotional, behavioural and physiological changes that may affect the quality of life of women and their partners. Usually, men endure in silence and seem invisible. Evidence shows a dearth of literature on men’s perspectives regarding their spouses’ menopause in Sub-Saharan Africa (Zhang et al., 2020; Matina et al., 2025). The study explored Ghanaian men’s experiences during their spouses menopausal transition.
Method: The study utilised an exploratory, descriptive qualitative approach to understand the phenomenon. Thirteen men living with wives experiencing menopause involved in the study based on information power. Interviews were conducted face-to-face and audio-recorded based on informed consent. Thematic analysis was used to generate codes, sub-themes, and themes.
Findings: Three themes 1) men’s perception of menopause 2) attitude towards menopause and 3) men’s coping abilities with corresponding six sub-themes were generated. The findings revealed that men were knowledgeable about menopause. They readily showed empathy and commitment, creating a supportive environment and providing physical and emotional support for their spouses. However, men were frustrated with their wives’ nagging and forgetful behaviour which was overwhelming. They were extremely concerned with their unmet sexual needs, which negatively impacted their relationship.
Conclusion: Targeted public health education focusing on comprehensive menopause management would be beneficial. Additionally, menopausal clinics and wellness clinics should provide institutional support that equips couples with coping mechanisms to enhance their quality of life and improve their relationship during this transitional phase.
Description
Menopause is marked with several changes. Male partners suffer its effects and usually remain invisible. The study explored men's experiences during their spouses menopausal transition. The findings revealed that men demonstrated readiness in supporting their spouses. However, they were concerned with their unmet sexual needs, nagging and forgetful behaviour. Support systems, coupled with comprehensive education on menopausal management, would be beneficial to couples' quality of life.