Perceived uncertainty about menopause in women attending an educational program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of uncertainty among a convenience sample of 177 women attending an educational program on menopause and to determine whether an educational intervention modified uncertainty. A one group pre-test post-test was used. Uncertainty, measured by the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale-Community Form (MUIS-C), was relatively high before, and decreased significantly after, the program. Findings indicated that uncertainty is an important phenomenon associated with menopause. Predictors of pre-program uncertainty (T1) were age and perceived level of knowledge. Post-program uncertainty (T2) was predicted by pre-program uncertainty (T1), perceived knowledge gained and level of knowledge at (T2).