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

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.