Effect of Individual Learning Style and Support group on Early Symptoms of Menopause: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Menopause is one of the most important crises in women's life and the symptoms experiencing at this stage are the key challenges of caring. This study aimed to investigate the effect of individual learning style and support group on early symptoms of menopause (Primary Outcome) and number of hot flushes (secondary outcome). Methods: In this randomized clinical controlled trial, 186 postmenopausal women who had records in Valiasr participatory health center of Eslamshahr City in 2013, were allocated into three groups with 62 participants in each group by block randomization method (two intervention groups and one control group). Support group in 6 groups (4 groups of 10 people and 2 groups of 11 people) was developed. Support group sessions on a particular day in a week for 60 minutes and was held during three consecutive weekly sessions. Education in self –directed learning group was accessed with three guide notebook including menopausal symptoms and ways of coping with these symptoms in a particular day during 3 consecutive weeks. Early menopausal symptoms were evaluated by sing the Greene scale (score range: 0-63) before the intervention and 4 weeks after the intervention that was completed by participants. Data analysis was performed by General linear model. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups in demographic data. At the end of the study in the support group, 60 people (2 people due to the inconsecutive participation in training classes), 58 people in the self –directed learning (4 people do not referring to receive guide notebooks (2 people), hormone therapy (1 person), and death of spouse (1 person) and 60 people in the control group (due to hormone therapy and hysterectomy) participate. The mean overall score Greene at the 4 weeks after the end of the intervention in support group (adjusted difference -10.1, 95% confidence interval: -11.7 to -8.4) and self –directed learning (-7.6, -9.1 to -6.1) was significantly protective than the control group (p<0.001). The results of data analysis showed support group could reduce early symptoms of menopause more than self –directed learning (-2.4, -4.1 to -0.8). Also the number of hot flushes in support group (adjusted difference – 5.1, 95% confidence interval: -8.1 to -2.1) and self –directed learning (3.8, -6.6 to -1.1) was significantly lower than in control group at 4 weeks (p<0.05). Conclusion: Self –directed learning and support group teaching styles could reduce early symptoms of menopause and the number of hot flushes. Thus, these methods as appropriate method for promoting women health and dealing with the annoying symptoms of menopause should be considered in health interventions.