Effectiveness of a Multi-Dimensional Group Counseling Program Based on the GATHER Approach on the Quality of Life in Surgically Menopausal Women

Abstract

Objectives: Surgical menopause can influence women's quality of life in many aspects. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a multi-dimensional group counseling program based on the great clients, ask clients, tell clients, help clients, explain how to use, return for follow up (GATHER) approach, on quality of life in the surgically menopausal women. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted using two groups. The study comprised 78 women meeting inclusion criteria who had visited 4 healthcare centers in Tehran from December 2017 to September 2018. The participants were selected through simple random sampling (39 in each group). The intervention group underwent 6 consecutive weekly group counseling sessions based on GATHER approach, whereas the control group received no interventions. Data were collected using the Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaire at 4 time-points (i.e., baseline, immediately after the intervention, 1 month after the intervention, and 3 months after the intervention). Results: The trend of changes at four time-points obtained on the basis of repeated measures test results showed significant betweengroup differences in vasomotor (P = 0.001), psychosocial (P = 0.025), and physical (P = 0.001) domains. Friedman test showed significant between-group differences in the mean score trend of changes at 4 time-points in sexual (P = 0.002) and overall quality of life (P = 0.004) domains. Conclusions: On the basis of the study results, implementation of this approach with less expenditure in healthcare centers aimed at improving quality of life in surgically menopausal women is highly recommended.

Midwifery-oriented group counseling based on the GATHER approach on quality of life of women during the transition to menopause: a randomized controlled trial

“…The GATHER model is a counseling model that can be used both individually, and in groups 21 . Various studies have shown the positive effects of this model in the field of women's health 22-25 …”

“…21 Various studies have shown the positive effects of this model in the field of women's health. [22][23][24][25] Considering that the transition to menopause and the symptoms that women experience during this period harm women's physical and mental health and can reduce women's quality of life, 16 finding effective ways to improve their quality of life is one of the duties of health care providers. Among healthcare providers, midwives have an important role in counseling and health education for women, the family, and the community.…”