Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 14(2), pp. 277 - 287
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140208
Reprint (PDF) (866Kb)

Needs of Perimenopausal Women: A Basis for Non-Hormonal Models

Ratih Kumala Dewi ^1,*, Luluk Khusunul Dwihestie ¹, Ratih Paramastuti ², Benedicta Audrey Putri Trisnadewi ^3
1 Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science (STIKes) Estu Utomo, Indonesia
² Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia
³ Department of Psychology, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Nasional Karangturi, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Pre-menopause is marked by estrogen decline, menstrual irregularities, and physical as well as psychological symptoms that reduce women's quality of life. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly used, its long-term risks underscore the need for safer non-hormonal alternatives. This exploratory qualitative study involved 12 perimenopausal women aged 42–48 years in Boyolali, Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews to explore needs for nutritional, sensory, and psychological interventions, followed by expert validation across multiple disciplines. Thematic analysis was applied to identify key needs, while validation used Aiken's V. Findings revealed four major needs: (1) nutritional: legume-based functional foods low in sugar and purine with ginger for safety and palatability; (2) sensory: a Damask rose aromatherapy pillow to improve sleep and reduce anxiety; (3) psychological: group counseling, psychoeducation, and relaxation exercises; and (4) social: support from family, peers, and community. Expert validation showed high feasibility (Aiken's V ≥ 0.88). This study formulated PRIMA (Pre-Menopause Holistic Intervention Model for Well-being and Quality of Life) as a holistic, non-hormonal framework integrating nutritional, sensory, psychological, and social approaches. PRIMA provides a conceptual foundation for community-based strategies to improve women's well-being, with further controlled trials recommended to assess its effectiveness.

KEYWORDS
Pre-menopause, Non-Hormonal Intervention, Phytoestrogen, Aromatherapy, Self-Efficacy, Quality of Life, PRIMA Model

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Ratih Kumala Dewi , Luluk Khusunul Dwihestie , Ratih Paramastuti , Benedicta Audrey Putri Trisnadewi , "Needs of Perimenopausal Women: A Basis for Non-Hormonal Models," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 277 - 287, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140208.

(b). APA Format:
Ratih Kumala Dewi , Luluk Khusunul Dwihestie , Ratih Paramastuti , Benedicta Audrey Putri Trisnadewi (2026). Needs of Perimenopausal Women: A Basis for Non-Hormonal Models. Universal Journal of Public Health, 14(2), 277 - 287. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140208.