Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
MSc Student, Student Research Committee, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
2
Lecturer, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
3
Associate Professor, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Ophthalmic Epidemiology Research Center Shahroud University of Medical Sciences
5
Associate Professor, Department of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
10.22038/jmrh.2024.76491.2263
Abstract
Background & aim: The perimenopause is an event that a woman will experience if she survives middle age. Although most women go through this period without experiencing psychological problems, some may experience anxiety during this stage of life. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the cognitive-behavioral group therapy on anxiety levels among perimenopausal women.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Shahroud Healthcare Care Centers in 2018. The study comprised two groups, with a total of 60 perimenopausal women (aged 45-60), who were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or control group using block randomization. The experimental group received seven sessions of group cognitive behavioral therapy. The data were collected using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Kupperman’s menopausal symptom questionnaire. Both groups completed the questionnaires before and after the intervention. Both the independent t-test and paired t-test were employed to analyze the data. All statistical analysis was performed by using the SPSS version 24.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the average total anxiety scores before the intervention (P=0.574). However, the total anxiety scores were significantly decreased in the intervention group after the intervention, as compared with the control group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: A cognitive-behavioral group therapy could reduce the perimenopausal anxiety symptoms. Therefore, its use in the clinical setting is recommended.
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