PREreviews of “Contextualising Menopause in Nigeria: A Qualitative Analysis from the MARiE Project”

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Contextualising Menopause in Nigeria: A Qualitative Analysis from the MARiE Project

by George Uchenna Eleje, Isaiah Chukwuebuka Umeoranefo, Eziamaka Pauline Ezenkwele, Chukwuemeka Chijindu Njoku, Ayyuba Rabiu, Chijioke Chimbo, Chinedu Onwuka Ndukwe, Divinefavour Echezona Malachy, Lydia Ijeoma Eleje, Emmanuel Chukwubuikem Egwuatu, Sunday Onyemaechi Oriji, Raphael Ugochukwu Chikezie, Ifeoma Bessie Enweani-Nwokelo, Nnanyelugo Chima Ezeora, Odigonma Zinobia Ikpeze, Sylvester Onuegbunam Nweze, Assumpta Chiemeka Osunkwo, Gabriel Chidera Edeh, Esther Ogechi John, Kenechukwu Ezekwesili Obi, Kingsley Emeka Ekwuazi, Ugoy Sonia Ogbonna, Halima Bashir Muhammad, Kingsley Chukwuebuka Agu, Chiamaka Perpetua Chidozie, Odili Aloysius Okoye, Chukwuemeka Chukwubuikem Okoro, Arinze Anthony Onwuegbuna, Ikechukwu Innocent Mbachu, Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu, Jie Sun, Julie Taylor, Lucky Saraswat, Sharron Hinchliff, Kristina Potocnik, Kathryn Elliot, Nick Panay, Carol Atkinson, Vikram Talaulikar, Nirmala Rathnayake, Tharanga Mudalige, Vindya Pathiraja, Jeevan Dhanarisi, Donatella Fontana, Lamiya Al-Kharusi, Nihal Al-Riyami, Toh Teck Hock, Ieera Madan-Aggarwal, Helen Felecity Kemp, Victoria Corkhill, Kingshuk Majumder, Ramiya Palanisamy, Jian Shi, Sohier Elneil, Peter Phiri, and Gayathri Delanerolle

Posted: October 6, 2025
Server: Preprints.org
DOI: 10.20944/preprints202510.0467.v1

Abstract

Objective This study is to provide evidence from Nigeria on women’s lived experiences of menopause is sparse, necessitating qualitative inquiry to inform contextually appropriate interventions.DesignProspective cross - sectional study SettingUrban and rural regions of NigeriaPopulation or SampleMidlife womenMethods As part of the MARIE project, semi-structured interviews were conducted with midlife women across urban and rural regions of Nigeria. Participants were purposively sampled to capture diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and menopausal stages. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis, with coding informed by health inequality and gender frameworks, and findings were triangulated by multiple researchers to enhance validity.Results Analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) structural inequalities in healthcare, including delayed recognition of symptoms, inadequate clinician knowledge, and limited access to hormone replacement therapy; (2) sociocultural and gendered barriers, such as stigma, misperceptions of menopause as a “natural end” requiring no care, and silencing within families; and (3) coping and resilience strategies, encompassing reliance on peer networks, faith-based approaches, and lifestyle adaptations in the absence of formal support. Urban participants reported marginally better access to information and services, while rural women described significant neglect, often relying on informal care.Main Outcome MeasuresThemes emerged from the qualitative interviewsConclusionsThis study highlights profound inequalities shaping menopausal experiences in Nigeria, reflecting gaps in healthcare training, policy attention, and community awareness. The findings emphasise the need for integrated, culturally sensitive strategies, including the incorporation of menopause into primary care, universal access to safe affordable treatments, and targeted public health education.

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PREreviews of Contextualising Menopause in Nigeria: A Qualitative Analysis from the MARiE Project

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