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Learning Objective 1: Describe the impact support groups have in treating women in perimenopause and menopause
Learning Objective 2: Describe the physical and emotions changes women experience during perimenopause and menopause
Methods: IRB approval was obtained and participants signed consents. Symptomatic perimenopause and menopause aged women were recruited by posters place in many locations. 8 participants agreed to attend at least 7 weekly sessions. 2 questionnaires were completed pre-group and participants assigned numbers so anonymity was maintained. The weekly group was started with an educational component utilizing powerpoints from the North American Menopause Society and presented by the PI who is a Board Certified NP, Menopause Clinician and Certified as an Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Specialist. The group led the discussion. At the last session the same 2 questionnaires were completed to be analyzed for changes from start of program to end. Also comment forms were completed. Qualitative method was used by information from sessions and comment forms and qualitative was used to evaluate the 2 pre and post questionnaires results
Results: statistically the 2 questionnaires did not show significance from the pre and post results. The themes, discussion and comment form clearly proved that the support program provided education, empowered the women with knowledge to help them make informed choices regarding their health and symptoms and the support make them feel they were not alone in their feelings.
Conclusion: This study indicates that support groups should be widespread and nurses who are educated in the physical and emotional changes of this period in women’s lives are the best to educated and support these women through this chapter in their lives.