TY - JOUR
AU - S. Ziabakhsh
AU - A. Christoffersen-Deb
AU - A. Pederson
AU - A. Cui
AU - C. Raber
AU - N. Beyzaei
AU - P. With
A1 - 
AB - OBJECTIVE: This study explored the health priorities and challenges of midlife women (ages 45-70) in British Columbia, Canada, to identify key elements for a comprehensive, dedicated midlife care program. DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed methods online survey using convenience, non-probability sampling. METHODS: An online survey (N = 980) assessed health priorities and concerns, care sources, and preferences for a dedicated midlife health program. RESULTS: Staying physically fit was the top priority, followed by weight management, brain health, and mental wellness, with variations noted: Younger women prioritized weight and mental health, while older participants focused on brain and bone health. Respondents relied on family physicians or walk-in clinics for care, but reported unmet needs across services, including access barriers, care quality, and information gaps. Key components for a midlife program identified in this study were as follows: (1) integrated, whole-person care support; (2) preventative care and early detection; (3) mental health as a priority; (4) access that fits women's lives; (5) relational, personalized, and competent care; (6) accessible information and navigation; and (7) community and peer connection. CONCLUSIONS: The findings offer insights for developing a midlife women's health program that responds to varied and evolving health priorities through holistic, accessible, and patient-centered approaches.
AD - BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.; School of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.; Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Vancouver, BC, Canada.; Community Member.
AN - 41700082
BT - Womens Health (Lond)
C5 - Healthcare Disparities
DA - Jan-Dec
DO - 10.1177/17455057261419909
DP - NLM
ET - 20260217
JF - Womens Health (Lond)
LA - eng
N2 - OBJECTIVE: This study explored the health priorities and challenges of midlife women (ages 45-70) in British Columbia, Canada, to identify key elements for a comprehensive, dedicated midlife care program. DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed methods online survey using convenience, non-probability sampling. METHODS: An online survey (N = 980) assessed health priorities and concerns, care sources, and preferences for a dedicated midlife health program. RESULTS: Staying physically fit was the top priority, followed by weight management, brain health, and mental wellness, with variations noted: Younger women prioritized weight and mental health, while older participants focused on brain and bone health. Respondents relied on family physicians or walk-in clinics for care, but reported unmet needs across services, including access barriers, care quality, and information gaps. Key components for a midlife program identified in this study were as follows: (1) integrated, whole-person care support; (2) preventative care and early detection; (3) mental health as a priority; (4) access that fits women's lives; (5) relational, personalized, and competent care; (6) accessible information and navigation; and (7) community and peer connection. CONCLUSIONS: The findings offer insights for developing a midlife women's health program that responds to varied and evolving health priorities through holistic, accessible, and patient-centered approaches.
PY - 2026
SN - 1745-5057 (Print); 1745-5057
SP - 17455057261419909
ST - Navigating midlife: Priorities and program needs of women in British Columbia
T1 - Navigating midlife: Priorities and program needs of women in British Columbia
T2 - Womens Health (Lond)
TI - Navigating midlife: Priorities and program needs of women in British Columbia
U1 - Healthcare Disparities
U3 - 10.1177/17455057261419909
VL - 22
VO - 1745-5057 (Print); 1745-5057
Y1 - 2026
ER -