Perimenopause
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this sequential exploratory mixed-methods study is to examine the relationship between perimenopausal symptom severity and occupational performance, occupational balance, and role participation in women aged 40-55. A secondary purpose is to explore the lived experience of occupational disruption during perimenopause through qualitative interviews.
Detailed description
Perimenopause is associated with fatigue, sleep disturbance, vasomotor symptoms, mood changes, and cognitive difficulties. While the literature addresses symptom management, limited research examines the functional impact of perimenopause on daily occupations, work participation, and role performance. Occupational therapy (OT) emphasizes participation in meaningful activities; however, there is minimal research exploring occupational disruption during midlife hormonal transition. This study aims to add to the OT literature. The study aims to explore the question: How do perimenopausal symptoms impact occupational performance, role participation, and occupational balance in midlife women? 1. Is perimenopausal symptom severity associated with decreased occupational balance? 2. Is symptom severity associated with reduced role participation? 3. How do women describe the impact of perimenopause on daily occupations? The proposed study will examine how perimenopausal symptoms influence: Work performance, Home responsibilities, cognitive functioning, sleep and fatigue, and occupational balance. The goal is to better understand how healthcare professionals, including OTs, can support women during this transition.
Interventions
OTHERConfidential Surveys
Participants who consent to participate will complete confidential surveys and one voluntary interview.
Sponsors
Russell Sage College
Binghamton University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
40 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Women aged 40-55 * Self-reported perimenopausal symptoms * Currently employed (paid or unpaid) or managing household roles * English-speaking
Exclusion criteria
* Surgical menopause * Current pregnancy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-11) | Baseline | An 11-item, self-report instrument developed to assess perceived occupational balance. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) | Baseline | A validated self-report tool designed to assess the impact of menopausal symptoms on health-related quality of life. It consists of 29 items across four domains |
| Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Fatigue | Baseline | Measures fatigue and its effects on daily functioning, including frequency, intensity, duration, and impact on physical, cognitive, and social activities. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
CONTACTChristine Mulligan, OTD
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORChristine Mulligan
Russell Sage College
Outcome results
None listed