Document Type
DNP - Open Access
Award Date
2015
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Graduate Nursing
First Advisor
Robin Arends
Abstract
The time period surrounding menopause, or perimenopause, often is associated with many symptoms that are unpleasant and life changing for women. These symptoms, which occur in up to 70% of perimenopausal women, can negatively impact quality of life. There is little information available about how a woman can proactively reduce her menopause symptoms naturally, and many are unable to utilize pharmacologic methods. The literature review included in this paper reveals several different non-pharmacologic treatment methods that are supported by peer reviewed research, including: relaxation and stress reduction, ingestion of soy nuts, acupuncture, lifestyle behavior changes, and exercise. It has been shown that a positive attitude and increased educational level about menopause leads to less reported and perceived symptoms. This project tested that finding, by gauging perceptions before and after reading and discussing a brochure on the non-pharmacologic treatment methods. A paired t-test was used to analyze the pre- and post-test Likert-scale responses. It was determined that women had an increased understanding of menopause (p= 0.019), an increased knowledge about ways to reduce symptoms (p=0.000), and an improved attitude about menopause after the intervention (p= 0.123). This project shows the importance of evidence based practice, and that a written educational tool is a beneficial way to deliver menopause education. Keywords: menopause, symptoms, non-pharmacological management.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Menopause
Menopause -- Alternative treatment
Description
Includes bibliographical references (pages 49-53)
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
65
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/
Recommended Citation
Larsen, Megan, "Improving Perceptions of Menopause with an Educational Tool about Non- pharmacologic Menopause Symptom Management" (2015). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects. 41.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/con_dnp/41