Decreasing menopausal symptoms in women undertaking a web-based multi-modal lifestyle intervention: The Women's Wellness Program. Issue 1 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anderson, Debra; Seib, Charrlotte; McGuire, Amanda; Porter-Steele, Janine
• Is Part Of: Maturitas. Volume 81:Issue 1(2015:May)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Climacteric -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Middle Aged -- Periodicals; Climatère -- Périodiques; Ménopause -- Périodiques; Climacterium; Climacteric; Menopause; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 612.66
• DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.02.263
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-5122

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="author" id="abs0005"> <title id="sect0005">Abstract</title> <sec> <p id="spar0005">Menopausal transition can be challenging for many women. This study tested the effectiveness of an intervention delivered in different modes in decreasing menopausal symptoms in midlife women.</p> <p id="spar0010">The Women's Wellness Program (WWP) intervention was delivered to 225 Australian women aged between 40 and 65 years through three modes (i.e., on-line independent, face-to-face with nurse consultations, and on-line with virtual nurse consultations). All women in the study were provided with a 12-week Program Book outlining healthy lifestyle behaviors while women in the consultation groups were supported by a registered nurse who provide tailored health education and assisted with individual goal setting for exercise, healthy eating, smoking and alcohol consumption. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected on menopausal symptoms (Greene Climacteric Scale), health related quality of life (SF12), and modifiable lifestyle factors.</p> <p id="spar0015">Linear mixed-effect models showed an average 0.87 and 1.23 point reduction in anxiety (<italic>p</italic> < 0.01) and depression scores (<italic>p</italic> < 0.01) over time in all groups. Results also demonstrated reduced vasomotor symptoms (<italic>β</italic> = −0.19, SE = 0.10, <italic>p</italic> = 0.04) and sexual dysfunction (<italic>β</italic> = −0.17, SE = 0.06, <italic>p</italic> < 0.01) in all participants though women in the face-to-face group generally reported greater reductions than women in the other groups.</p> <p id="spar0020">This lifestyle intervention embedded within a wellness framework has the potential to reduce menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life in midlife women thus potentially enhancing health and well-being in women as they age. Of course, study replication is needed to confirm the intervention effects.</p> </sec> </abstract>