The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Quality of life in Perimenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Menopause is a physiological alteration affecting women's quality of life. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) as a psychological and non-pharmacological method can be effective to improve the quality of life in perimenopausal women. Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of MBCT on the quality of life in perimenopausal women. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 73 perimenopausal women from August 2017 to February 2018 in four health centers in Yazd. They were randomly divided into the intervention (n = 36) and control (n = 37) groups by using simple random sampling method; indeed, the random number table. The MBCT was given once a week to the intervention group over eight two-hour sessions and the control group received no intervention. The data collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire, Cooperman's index, and the menopause-related quality of life questionnaire, which were fulfilled by both groups before, immediately after, and one month after the completion of the intervention. Results: In the intervention group, the mean score of quality of life and its dimensions (except for the sexual dimension) immediately and one month after the completion of the intervention showed a significant reduction compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Also, the improvement of the quality of life and its dimensions mean scores was significant in three intervals of the study in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Given the effectiveness of MBCT in enhancing the quality of life in perimenopausal women, this method is recommended to be used as a supportive method for management of perimenopausal period.