The effect of education and counseling program structured according to DR. meleis's transition theory on menopausal transition process

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a structured education and counseling program based on Dr. Meleis' Transition Theory on the menopausel transition process. Method: The research was conducted as a pretest-posttest randomized controlled quasi-experimental study between May 2023 and October 2023 in nine community centers affiliated with Odunpazarı Municipality in Eskişehir city center. The sample consisted of 60 women (education: 30, control: 30) aged 45-55. To the women in the education group, a structured education and counseling program was implemented according to Dr. Meleis's Transition Theory. Four face-to-face interviews were held with the women in the education group in community centers. Data; Personal Information Form, Attitudes Towards Menopause Scale (ATMS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale (MENQOL) were used for the education group at the community center at the first interview, at the 2nd month and at the 5th month, and at the control group at the first interview and collected at the 5th month. In the analysis of data; number-percentage, mean-standard deviation, chi-square test, Pearson chi-square test, Yates correction, Fisher Exact test, independent samples t test, Mann-Whitney U Test, Friedman Test, dependent groups t test and repeated measures ANOVA were applied. Results: Women's attitudes towards menopause tend to be positive and non-rejecting. In the study, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the women in the education group in the post-test regarding attitudes towards menopause, depression, anxiety, stress and menopause-specific quality of life compared to the control group (p<0.05). The training and consultancy program structured according to Dr. Meleis's Transition Theory; It has been determined that it positively increases women's attitudes towards menopause, reduces depression, anxiety and stress levels and increases the quality of life. Conclusion: The results of the study, it has been determined that the training and counseling program structured according to Dr. Meleis's Transition Theory is effective in reducing the problems of women in the menopausal period and helping them cope with these problems. Keywords: Menopause, Meleis's Transition Theory, depression, anxiety, quality of life