Menopause in focus - Identifying needs
Participatory needs analysis for the health promotion of menopausal women: A first step towards the development of sustainable measures taking into account diverse life situations
Factsheet
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Schools involved
School of Health Professions
School of Social Work - Institute(s) Institute on Ageing
- Strategic thematic field Thematic field "Caring Society"
- Funding organisation BFH
- Duration (planned) 01.11.2024 - 28.02.2025
- Head of project Dr. Karin Haas
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Project staff
Anita Schürch
Michelle Nina Bütikofer
Aline Juliette Leibundgut -
Partner
Universität Zürich, Psychologisches Institut, Urte Scholz
Universität Zürich, Psychologisches Institut, Walter Bierbauer - Keywords Menopause, health promotion, participation, nutritional behaviour, exercise behaviour, women's health
Situation
Women between the ages of 40 and 60 face particular health challenges during the menopause. The menopause - including peri- and postmenopause - is accompanied by considerable changes. These changes can affect general well-being and increase the risk of chronic diseases. However, the menopause also offers the opportunity to actively promote a healthy lifestyle. This phase of life can be a time of reorientation and personal growth in which women consciously prioritise their health and well-being. To date, there are hardly any targeted health-promoting and preventive measures in Switzerland that take physical activity or nutritional behaviour in the context of the menopause into account. A well-founded needs analysis is essential for the development of such measures in order to do justice to the diversity of women affected. In order to shed light on this need, the Institute of Psychology at the University of Zurich is conducting a quantitative survey in German-speaking Switzerland in collaboration with the Interdepartmental Institute for Ageing at BFH. The aim is to gain scientific insights into the needs of menopausal women in Switzerland. The topics of the survey are based on theory on the one hand, but at the same time a participatory approach is pursued in which the perspectives of women in this phase are incorporated.
Course of action
As part of a sub-project, participatory elements are integrated into the planning and evaluation of a quantitative survey. By actively involving women, different perspectives are taken into account, which increases the relevance of the results and strengthens acceptance among the target group. A workshop with women (6-8 participants) is held to develop the questionnaire. The group is as heterogeneous as possible (e.g. employed/non-employed, living alone/in a partnership, with/without a migration background). This ensures that the quantitative survey is thematically relevant and that the results provide information about needs during the menopause. After the data has been collected, the results are discussed with the women involved. This exchange enables a multi-layered interpretation and valuable impulses for the planned follow-up project. It also creates a space in which women can share their experiences and develop solutions together. This survey lays the foundation for further research work in which evidence-based and practical measures are developed and can support healthcare professionals in supporting women during the menopause in the future.
