Abstract
Background: Menopause management is dependent on patient preferences and values, availability of care options and guidance in shared decision-making (SDM). Action is needed to increase engagement with information sources, support services and SDM. This study aimed to use the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and COM-B model to explore barriers and facilitators to HCP and women’s behaviour towards menopause management. In understanding these factors, developing design principles for an intervention could improve certainty in information, support, and SDM.Design: The BCW guided an intervention strategy involving several methodological approaches. A narrative review presented a research synthesis of the literature of management of health during menopause. Mixed qualitative methods and quantitative approaches, utilised semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire, to understand barriers and facilitators to behaviour among women experiencing menopausal symptoms, and HCPs who guide them. Participants were from the UK and Ireland.
Results: Findings demonstrated that women lacked knowledge, exhibited uncertainty and displayed a stoical attitude towards the menopausal transition. Behavioural analysis mapped constructs of, knowledge, skills, intention, support and beliefs about capabilities for HCPs and social support, adequate resources and materials and knowledge for women, to intervention functions and behaviour change techniques for inclusion in the design principles for a potential intervention.
Conclusion: This evidence-based theoretical research provided insights into the factors that impact women’s and HCPs behaviour regarding menopause management. The results contribute to the existing literature on menopause management in behaviour change research in the description and specification of content, mechanisms of action and future implementation of an intervention. Refinement and implementation of a feasibility and acceptability trial prior to a large-scale evaluation to determine effectiveness is recommended.
Other recommendations include provision of quality information and improved supportive relationships to enable informed women to participate effectively in SDM, in a collaborative partnership with HCPs.
Thesis embargoed until 31st May 2027
| Date of Award | May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Liz Simpson (Supervisor), Marian McLaughlin (Supervisor) & Lynn Dunwoody (Supervisor) |
Keywords
- theoretical domains framework