Objectives: This study aims to identify the factors associated with community health service utilization for menopausal symptoms among Japanese women in urban areas by using Andersen's behavioral model of health service use.
Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted.
Sample: The sample comprised 350 women aged 40-60 years living in a community in Japan.
Measurements: The independent variables were predisposing (demographics, social status, and health beliefs), enabling (family and community resources), and need factors (perceived health status and the need for community health services). The dependent variable was community health service utilization. A logistic regression model was used.
Results: 8 of the women were categorized in "treatment required" by simplified menopausal index score, and 103 women said that they would use the services. Knowledge regarding the services, OR: 1.814 (1.084-3.036); the absence of a negative attitude toward menopausal syndromes, OR: 0.605 (0.367-0.998); and the presence of a positive attitude, OR: 2.203 (1.070-4.536); influenced community health service utilization.
Conclusions: An appropriate attitude toward menopausal symptoms was observed to be more relevant to community health service utilization than the experience or acuity of the menopausal symptoms themselves. Therefore, community-dwelling, middle-aged women should be provided with sufficient education regarding menopausal symptoms to encourage their utilization of community health services.