Addressing Healthcare Needs of Midlife Women in Singapore through a Comprehensive Study

In an effort to better understand the health challenges faced by midlife women in Singapore, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the National University Hospital (NUH) have launched a long-term initiative. This program is particularly significant as it seeks to address the disparities in healthcare that arise due to gender and ethnicity and aims to rectify the lack of medical research tailored specifically for Asian populations, which has often been based on Western subjects.

The Integrated Women’s Health Programme (IWHP), spearheaded by Professor Yong Eu Leong since its inception in 2014, has enrolled 1,201 women. The focus of this unique study is to explore various health issues that are particularly relevant to women in midlife, such as menopause, osteoporosis, and mental health factors including anxiety and depression. It also examines conditions related to metabolic health and urinary issues, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to women's health at this critical life stage.

Recognized for his contributions to medicine with the National Outstanding Clinician Scientist Award by the National Medical Research Council in 2020, Professor Yong emphasizes the rarity of comprehensive longitudinal studies on women's health, particularly in Singapore and across Asia. The findings from the IWHP are expected to shed light on the specific healthcare requirements of midlife women, contributing to a deeper understanding of these needs both locally and globally.

A key objective of the study is to investigate the health differences among various ethnic groups. Professor Yong explains that within Singapore, distinct ethnic populations such as Indians, Chinese, and Malays may experience different health problems due to their genetic backgrounds. Such insights aim to refine healthcare approaches and enhance medical knowledge concerning the unique experiences of different groups of women.