Effects of an educational intervention based on the multi-theory model on promoting the quality of life in postmenopausal women: a protocol

Introduction
Menopause is associated with symptoms and complications that can affect women’s quality of life. Therefore, acceptance of the symptoms and complications can improve quality of life during this period. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to design an educational program based on the multi-theory model (MTM) to deal with complications of the menopausal period and improve the women’s quality of life.

Material and methods
In designing this study, four phases are considered. In the first phase, the questionnaire of menopausal symptom acceptance behaviors will be designed based on the MTM using literature review and a panel of experts’ viewpoints. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire will be confirmed at this stage. In the second phase, a descriptive study will be conducted by administering the questionnaire designed in the first phase along with the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. The third phase includes the curriculum design based on the findings of the descriptive study, investigations of various studies, and viewpoints of the experts’ panel. Therefore, the main components of the intervention will be identified. These components will determine the influential constructs of the MTM according to the descriptive research. Later, the related interventions and messages will be produced and designed from different sources. Intervention strategies will include group discussion, lectures, confidence-building skills, movie screenings, role play, preparation of daily activities booklets for postmenopausal women, and training classes for husbands and children to improve social support for women. The interventions, contents, and messages designed with the presence of health professionals and members of the target community will be pre-tested by examining factors such as audience perception of the message, appropriateness of the education to the audience’s literacy and culture, as well as attractiveness, credibility, and acceptance of the materials. Finally, the fourth phase will be the implementation of the pre-test/post-test educational intervention using the intervention and control groups.

Results and conclusions
The present study provides good information about the needs and strategies to enhance the quality of life in postmenopausal women by utilizing a menopausal acceptance training program. Therefore, designing a program to increase the menopausal acceptance in postmenopausal women can be effective in improving the quality of life and reducing the treatment and medical care costs.