Types of menopausal experiences and perceptions of menopause-related health care among multicultural women: a Q methodology study

Purpose: This study used Q methodology to identify and classify multicultural women’s subjective perceptions of menopausal experiences and menopause-related health care, with the aim of providing foundational data for culturally tailored nursing interventions.Methods: Q methodology was used to identify patterns in subjective perceptions of menopausal experiences and health management. A literature review and in-depth interviews yielded 34 Q-statements. Forty multicultural women aged 40–60 years living in Korea completed Q-sorting from March 15 to April 5, 2026. The data were analyzed by principal component factor analysis using PQMethod.Results: Four types were identified: (1) symptom distress recognition, characterized by a strong awareness of physical discomfort; (2) health management interest, characterized by active efforts to obtain health information and professional consultation; (3) menopausal acceptance and self-management, characterized by an emphasis on proactive self-care; and (4) emotional change and social support awareness, characterized by emotional fluctuations and an emphasis on family support. Together, the four types explained 44.99% of the total variance. Reports of musculoskeletal pain and emotional symptoms, including loneliness and depression, were common across all four types.Conclusion: Cultural background, migration experience, health literacy, and social support shape the multidimensional menopausal experiences and health care perceptions of multicultural women. Meeting this population’s diverse needs requires tailored, culturally sensitive nursing interventions, better access to health care, and family-centered support programs.