Selin AHSUN, Figen KAZANKAYA, Gül ERTEM
Global Nursing Insights - 2026;13(2):261-271
Aim: Menopause is a critical period affecting women's health and quality of life, and nursing interventions play a key role in managing this transition. This study aimed to review randomized controlled postgraduate nursing theses on menopause in Turkey. Material and Methods: The YÖKTEZ database was searched using the keywords "menopause", "randomized", and "nursing". Two independent researchers conducted the search, and 27 theses were identified. After applying the inclusion criteria -randomized controlled design, focus on menopause, nursing field, and open full-text access -21 theses were analyzed using thematic and quantitative content analysis. Of the included theses, four were master's and 17 were doctoral. Results: Of the 21 theses included, 63.6% were conducted in nursing departments and 36.4% in women's health and diseases nursing. The theses were conducted between 2009 and 2024, with 77.2% completed within the last five years. Most interventions targeted postmenopausal women (59%), followed by women during menopause (27%) and premenopause (14%). Interventions were classified as nursing theory-based approaches (31.8%), complementary and alternative medicine practices (31.8%), and education/counseling programs (36.4%). The most frequently evaluated outcomes were quality of life (63.6%) and vasomotor symptoms (54.5%), with significant improvements reported in all studies assessing these outcomes. Positive effects were also observed in sexual health, sleep quality, psychological well-being, health literacy, osteoporosis awareness, and exercise behaviors. Conclusions: All reviewed postgraduate nursing theses from Turkey indicated that the interventions applied led to reduced menopausal symptoms and improved quality of life. It is recommended that nurses incorporate evidence-based interventions highlighted in these theses into their clinical practice. Implication for nursing practice: These results highlight that nursing management and education programs should prioritize theory-driven, evidence-based interventions to improve menopausal women's adaptation and well-being.
