Effect of Implementing a Life Skills Program on the Perceptions of Aging and Self-Efficacy in Postmenopausal Women: A Field Trial Publisher



Dibaj Z¹ ; Boromandfar Z² ; Maghsoudi J³
Source: Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research Published:2022

Abstract

Background: Complications experienced by women during menopause affect their self-efficacy and can cause a negative attitude toward this period and lifestyle changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a life skills program on the perception of aging and self-efficacy in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: This study was performed as a field trial on 70 postmenopausal women referring to Imam Ali and Navaab Safavi health centers in Isfahan, Iran, in 2018-19. The eligible subjects were randomly divided into experimental and control groups using a number table. The experimental group received the life skills program in five sessions and the control group shared their experiences in two sessions. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics form and the Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ) and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests in SPSS software. Results: The results revealed that the mean score of aging perception immediately and 1 month after the intervention in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the self-efficacy score in the experimental group immediately (F 1,67 = 121.89, p < 0.001) and 1 month after the intervention (F 1,67 = 121.89, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusions: This life skills program was able to reduce the perception of aging and physical complaints during menopause and improve self-efficacy in women. Therefore, the implementation of this intervention is recommended in women. © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.