Self-efficacy, quality of life, physical activity and educational interventions in menopausal women: A cross-sectional and pre--post study using Bayesian structural equation modelling
Self-efficacy, quality of life, physical activity and educational interventions in menopausal women: A cross-sectional and pre--post study using Bayesian structural equation modelling
Objectives: This two-part study aimed to confirm a theoretical model that integrates self-efficacy with menopause symptoms, quality of life and physical activity; and to determine the associations between self-efficacy and menopause knowledge following an education intervention. Study design: The cross-sectional study involved 86 menopausal women (mean age = 55.57, SD = 7.44). Additionally, a pre–post design was employed after a half-day educational intervention (presentations, interactive polls and open discussions) with 51 women (mean age = 52.81, SD = 4.62). Main outcome measures: The impact of menopausal symptoms on quality of life (QoL) was assessed via the Peri-menopausal Depression Scale and the Utian Quality of Life Scale. Physical activity was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Self-efficacy was assessed with the General Self-Efficacy Scale. An ad hoc questionnaire pre- and post-events determined level of knowledge regarding menopause. Results: Bayesian structural equation modelling confirmed the model. Physical activity exhibited a negative association with menopause symptoms (mean estimate = −1.69, 95 % CI [−3.08, −0.28]), and its relationship with quality of life (mean estimate = 1.35, 95 % CI [−0.24, 2.93]) was mediated by symptoms (mean estimate = 0.75, 95 % CIs [0.12, 1.51]). The detrimental impact of symptoms on quality of life (mean estimate = 4.42, 95 % CIs [2.22, 6.59]) was partially mediated by self-efficacy (mean estimate = −0.24, 95 % CIs [−0.38, −0.11]). Self-efficacy (r = 0.47, p < .001) was significantly correlated with improvements in knowledge. Conclusions: Increased physical activity could reduce menopausal symptoms and thereby enhance quality of life during the menopause. Higher levels of self-efficacy support better symptom management via improvements in menopause-related knowledge.
Bayesian structural equation modelling, Community, Educational intervention, Menopause, Menopause symptoms, Physical activity, Quality of life, Self-efficacy
Magistro, Daniele
ab9296bc-fda6-469e-a3f8-3a574faa1b7e
Vagnetti, Roberto
769db927-be78-4c31-84c5-5ed4379c6fea
Ansdell, Paul
472b5415-8232-445e-b958-598dfc13c861
Piasecki, Jessica
9e6da7f6-2739-4fc4-b886-a8f849a1d010
17 November 2025
Magistro, Daniele
ab9296bc-fda6-469e-a3f8-3a574faa1b7e
Vagnetti, Roberto
769db927-be78-4c31-84c5-5ed4379c6fea
Ansdell, Paul
472b5415-8232-445e-b958-598dfc13c861
Piasecki, Jessica
9e6da7f6-2739-4fc4-b886-a8f849a1d010
Magistro, Daniele, Vagnetti, Roberto, Ansdell, Paul and Piasecki, Jessica
(2025)
Self-efficacy, quality of life, physical activity and educational interventions in menopausal women: A cross-sectional and pre--post study using Bayesian structural equation modelling.
Maturitas, 203, [108774].
(doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2025.108774).
Abstract
Objectives: This two-part study aimed to confirm a theoretical model that integrates self-efficacy with menopause symptoms, quality of life and physical activity; and to determine the associations between self-efficacy and menopause knowledge following an education intervention. Study design: The cross-sectional study involved 86 menopausal women (mean age = 55.57, SD = 7.44). Additionally, a pre–post design was employed after a half-day educational intervention (presentations, interactive polls and open discussions) with 51 women (mean age = 52.81, SD = 4.62). Main outcome measures: The impact of menopausal symptoms on quality of life (QoL) was assessed via the Peri-menopausal Depression Scale and the Utian Quality of Life Scale. Physical activity was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Self-efficacy was assessed with the General Self-Efficacy Scale. An ad hoc questionnaire pre- and post-events determined level of knowledge regarding menopause. Results: Bayesian structural equation modelling confirmed the model. Physical activity exhibited a negative association with menopause symptoms (mean estimate = −1.69, 95 % CI [−3.08, −0.28]), and its relationship with quality of life (mean estimate = 1.35, 95 % CI [−0.24, 2.93]) was mediated by symptoms (mean estimate = 0.75, 95 % CIs [0.12, 1.51]). The detrimental impact of symptoms on quality of life (mean estimate = 4.42, 95 % CIs [2.22, 6.59]) was partially mediated by self-efficacy (mean estimate = −0.24, 95 % CIs [−0.38, −0.11]). Self-efficacy (r = 0.47, p < .001) was significantly correlated with improvements in knowledge. Conclusions: Increased physical activity could reduce menopausal symptoms and thereby enhance quality of life during the menopause. Higher levels of self-efficacy support better symptom management via improvements in menopause-related knowledge.
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Accepted/In Press date: 3 November 2025
e-pub ahead of print date: 12 November 2025
Published date: 17 November 2025
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© 2025 The Author(s)
Keywords:
Bayesian structural equation modelling, Community, Educational intervention, Menopause, Menopause symptoms, Physical activity, Quality of life, Self-efficacy
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Local EPrints ID: 507135
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/507135
ISSN: 0378-5122
PURE UUID: a8405579-b59b-4d7f-b5f0-ddff47b344d9
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Date deposited: 27 Nov 2025 17:52
Last modified: 28 Nov 2025 03:09
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Contributors
Author:
Daniele Magistro
Author:
Roberto Vagnetti
Author:
Paul Ansdell
Author:
Jessica Piasecki
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