Perceptions and experiences of nurses on the care of children with malnutrition under 5 years at Intermediate Hospital Katutura, Khomas region, Namibia.

Menopause is a natural biological process in women. It occurs with the cessation of the menstrual cycle. Globally, it is estimated that by 2030, approximately 1.2 billion women will be in the menopausal or postmenopausal phase. Additionally, 47 million new women are expected to enter menopause each year,. These projections highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to menopausal health policies today. Menopause-related declines in estrogen levels lead to various physical (e.g., urogenital problems) and mental (e.g., depression, sleep disturbances) symptoms in women,. Among these symptoms, vasomotor symptoms directly impact quality of life. Characterized by facial flushing, hot flushes, and night sweats, these symptoms typically persist for an average of 7.4 years. The mechanism of development is explained by thermoregulatory dysfunction caused by a decrease in estrogen feedback in the hypothalamus. Additionally, factors such as stress, hot beverages, alcohol, physical activity, and emotional states can also trigger symptoms. A meta-analysis reported that 60-80% of women experience vasomotor symptoms during and/or after the menopausal transition. A multicentre study conducted as part of an international collaboration showed that the prevalence of symptoms in women in their late 50s ranged from 30% to 50%. A study conducted in Turkey reported that hot flushes and sweating were the most commonly experienced symptoms in women aged 45-60. Although the frequency of vasomotor symptoms generally decreases during the postmenopausal period, these symptoms may persist for many years in some women. In a study by , it was reported that moderate to severe hot flushes lasted an average of five years after menopause and persisted for at least 10 years in more than one-third of women. A more recent study found that over 10% of Scandinavian women still experienced moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms in the postmenopausal period. The duration and severity of symptoms vary depending on individual differences, hormonal levels, and lifestyle. Long-lasting symptoms during the postmenopausal period can impair quality of life, contributing to sleep problems, psychological distress, social limitations, and reduced productivity.