Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Women during menopause stages experience many symptoms, for which they
lack enough knowledge to manage them. This study aimed to compare the effect of self‑directed and
support group health education on the quality of life (QOL (and self‑care of postmenopausal women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This field trial study was carried out with three groups. One hundred
and eight menopause women were selected through convenient sampling method based on the
inclusion criteria from three comprehensive health centers. Health centers were randomly assigned to
support (n = 36), self‑directed (n = 36), and control groups (n = 36). In the self‑directed group, education
was provided through educational package, and the control group received routine care from the
health center. The support group received education through four group sessions by trained healthy
volunteers. Data were collected by menopause‑specific QOL and self‑care standard questionnaire.
RESULTS: Immediately after the intervention, the mean scores of QOL in the self‑directed
group, support group, and control group were 41.82 ± 7.61, 40.31 ± 4.80, and 48.17 ± 8.45,
respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, the mean scores of self‑care were significantly different
between the self‑directed (40.67 ± 7.36) and support (36.50 ± 3.36) groups compared to the control
group (47.83 ± 8.47) (P < 0.05). After 1 month from intervention, QOL scores in the self‑directed
group (40.67 ± 7.36), support group (36.50 ± 3.36), and control group (47.83 ± 8.47) were significantly
different (P < 0.05). In addition, the mean scores of self‑care were 64 ± 6.79 and 65 ± 8.32 in the
self‑directed and support groups, respectively, compared to the control group (49.09 ± 9.43). Post hoc
test (least significant difference) revealed higher effectiveness of the support group (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated QOL and self‑care in menopause women in self‑directed and
support groups improved. However, the support group provided higher effectiveness. Therefore,
we recommended paying more attention to the capabilities of healthy volunteers for the promotion
of QOL in menopause women.
Keywords
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