Self-efficacy, quality of life, physical activity and educational interventions in menopausal women: A cross-sectional and pre–post study using Bayesian structural equation modelling

OBJECTIVES: This two-part study aimed to confirm a theoretical model that integrates self-efficacy with menopause symptoms, quality of life and physical activity; and to determine the associations between self-efficacy and menopause knowledge following an education intervention. STUDY DESIGN: The cross-sectional study involved 86 menopausal women (mean age = 55.57, SD = 7.44). Additionally, a pre-post design was employed after a half-day educational intervention (presentations, interactive polls and open discussions) with 51 women (mean age = 52.81, SD = 4.62). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The impact of menopausal symptoms on quality of life (QoL) was assessed via the Peri-menopausal Depression Scale and the Utian Quality of Life Scale. Physical activity was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Self-efficacy was assessed with the General Self-Efficacy Scale. An ad hoc questionnaire pre- and post-events determined level of knowledge regarding menopause. RESULTS: Bayesian structural equation modelling confirmed the model. Physical activity exhibited a negative association with menopause symptoms (mean estimate = -1.69, 95 % CI [-3.08, -0.28]), and its relationship with quality of life (mean estimate = 1.35, 95 % CI [-0.24, 2.93]) was mediated by symptoms (mean estimate = 0.75, 95 % CIs [0.12, 1.51]). The detrimental impact of symptoms on quality of life (mean estimate = 4.42, 95 % CIs [2.22, 6.59]) was partially mediated by self-efficacy (mean estimate = -0.24, 95 % CIs [-0.38, -0.11]). Self-efficacy (r = 0.47, p < .001) was significantly correlated with improvements in knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Increased physical activity could reduce menopausal symptoms and thereby enhance quality of life during the menopause. Higher levels of self-efficacy support better symptom management via improvements in menopause-related knowledge.