Menopause as an Embodied and Occupational Disruption: A Qualitative Study of Women's Experiences in Ghana (MARIE-WP2a)

Fred Tweneboah-Koduah, Tweneboah-Koduah F, Mintah-Afful N, Nana Mintah-Afful, Narh IL, Isaac Lartey Narh, Kwasi Eba-Polley, Eba-Polley K, Menka CN, Catherine Narh Menka, Osei P, Prince Osei, Osei N, Nana Osei, Lemuel Lartey, Lartey L, Bortieh B, Bernard Bortieh, Cletus Kumi, Kumi C, Boafo E, Elijah Boafo, Janet Ayorkor Anyetei, Anyetei JA, Arthur EI, Edel Issabella Arthur, Glover HK, Horatio King Glover, Amoah F, Fredrick Amoah, Boye EL, Ethel Larteley Boye, Zerish Lamptey, Lamptey Z, Gyan L, Laurinda Gyan, Jie Sun, Sun J, Taylor J, Julie Taylor, Briggs P, Paula Briggs, Saraswat L, Lucky Saraswat, Hinchliff S, Sharron Hinchliff, Potocnik K, Kristina Potocnik, Elliot K, Kathryn Elliot, Nick Panay, Panay N, Atkinson C, Carol Atkinson, Talaulikar V, Vikram Talaulikar, George Uchenna Eleje, Om Kurmi, Rathnayake N, Nirmala Rathnayake, Tharanga Mudalige, Mudalige T, Vindya Pathiraja, Jeevan Dhanarisi, Dhanarisi J, Al-Kharusi L, Lamiya Al-Kharusi, Nihal Al-Riyami, Bernard Mbwele, Mbwele B, Madan-Aggarwal I, Ieera Madan-Aggarwal, Hock TT, Toh Teck Hock, Ikwuka DC, David Chibuike Ikwuka, Pradip K Mitra, Mitra PK, Irfan M, Muhammad Irfan, Rabia Kareem, Kareem R, Benetti-Pinto C, Crisitina Benetti-Pinto, Kemp HF, Helen Felecity Kemp, Palanisamy R, Ramiya Palanisamy, Jian Shi, Shi J, Sohier Elneil, Phiri P, Peter Phiri, Gayathri Delanerolle
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2026 · vol. 133(7) , pp. 1453–1464 · doi:10.1111/1471-0528.70189 · PMID:41730698
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This qualitative study of Ghanaian women reveals that menopause significantly disrupts occupational and caregiving roles through physical, psychological, and economic strain, highlighting the need for improved healthcare access and workplace protections.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the lived experiences of perimenopause/menopause among Ghanaian women. DESIGN: Qualitative study using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. SETTING: Community and hospital based settings across Ghana, where women's lives are largely shaped by informal trade, caregiving, and gendered work roles. POPULATION: Perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women aged between 18 and 99 years that provided informed consent. METHODS: A qualitative methodology was used based on a topics guide that was developed following an evidence synthesis, patient-public involvement and expert opinions. Interviews explored experiences linked to symptoms, healthcare access, coping strategies, work-life balance, and societal perceptions. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six-phase reflexive thematic analysis to identify key patterns and meanings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Experiences and perceptions of menopause, including symptom burden, coping mechanisms, and barriers to care. RESULTS: Six interconnected themes were identified. Menopause intensified occupational and economic strain, with symptoms disrupting income generation and caregiving. Psychological burden and emotional disruption were widespread, often concealed due to stigma. Physical and somatic symptoms significantly impaired daily functioning. Barriers to healthcare included limited awareness, fragmented services, and low prioritisation of menopause. Women adopted coping and resilience strategies, such as herbal remedies and social withdrawal. Outlook, migration, and intergenerational lessons shaped planning for future generations. CONCLUSIONS: Menopause in Ghana is a neglected occupational and sociocultural health issue. Integrating menopause care into chronic disease and mental health services, improving access, and enhancing workplace protections are critical.

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MeSH descriptors

Menopause Menopause Menopause Menopause Menopause Menopause Menopause Menopause Menopause Menopause Menopause Adaptation, Psychological Adaptation, Psychological Adaptation, Psychological Adaptation, Psychological Adaptation, Psychological Adaptation, Psychological Adaptation, Psychological Adaptation, Psychological Adaptation, Psychological

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