The Effect of Exercise Training through Multimedia and Pamphlet on Postmenopausal Women’s Quality of Sexual Life

Abstract

Background & aim: The quality of sexual life is an important dimension of women's quality of life. Various factors including medication, education and regular exercise modulate menopausal symptoms and improve the quality of life in postmenopausal women. The present study was conducted to compare the effect of exercise training through multimedia and pamphlets on the quality of sexual life in postmenopausal women.Methods: This experimental study was performed on 70 postmenopausal women referred to the social security clinic in Quchan. A 45-minute training session was held for all individuals and then they were randomly assigned in the pamphlet (n=35) and the multimedia group (n=35). The tools included demographic questionnaire, quality of sexual life questionnaire, pelvic floor exercise checklist, and the criteria of measuring pelvic floor muscle strength (Brink scale). Data were analyzed using inferential statistics including Chi-square, Friedman, T-student, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests.Results: The mean score of quality of sexual life in the multimedia group before the intervention was 73.15±1.72 that increased to 79.07±11.3 after the intervention (P=0.024). Also, in the pamphlet group, it was 74.3±09.59 before the intervention that increased to 80.52±08.27 after the intervention (P=0.007). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups after the intervention comparing the mean score of quality of sexual life.Conclusion: Exercise training through both multimedia and pamphlets had a positive and similar effect on increasing postmenopausal women’s quality of sexual life. Therefore, standard training pamphlets is recommended in providing services to postmenopausal women.