5008.0: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 8:55 AM

Abstract #29435

Women in Transition: A video series and website for women in perimenopause

Gerardine Wurzburg, MA1, Ali B. DeGerome, MA1, Gretchen Hermes, MD, PhD2, Melba Williams1, Catherine Harbour, MPH1, Suzanne M. Randolph, PhD3, and Suzanne M. Randolph, PhD3. (1) State of the Art, Inc., 4455 Connecticut Ave. NW Ste. B-200, Washington, DC 20008, (2) Cotyledon Productions, 2136 W. Thomas Street, Chicago, IL 60622, (3) Randolph Associates, 9816 Pebble Weigh Ct., Burke, VA 22015

With funding from the National Institute of Nursing Research, State of the Art produced two documentary videos, a booklet, and a website addressing perimenopausal women. The session will present the methodology used to develop the materials and the evaluation of materials’ effectiveness. Project based on Social Leraning Theory. Through documentary profiles and expert commentary the videos model preventive lifestyles and methods for behavior change. The website uses online communities and online risk assessments to educate and motivate women about menopause, screenings, and preventive lifestyles. Issues addressed in the materials include cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cancer, HRT, diabetes, mental health, incontinence. One video targets a general audience of women, the other focuses on African-American women. Investigators interviewed women in perimenopause and health care professionals, then analyzed content of the interviews to develop creative plans describing the videos, booklet, website. Creative plans were reviewed by project advisors and focus group tested. Investigators used the revised creative plans to scout and shoot videos and program the website. Rough cuts of videos, draft booklet and website were then reviewed by advisors and subjected to more extensive focus group testing. Evaluation (planned to begin June, 2001) uses a short-term longitudinal, quasi-experimental pre/post-test design to test the materials’ effectiveness. Evaluation assesses the materials’ impact on women’s adoption of healthy lifestyles, health care utilization, and emotional well being; and any differential effect of the materials on groups of evaluation intervention participants.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participant will be able to 1. List 4 health concerns of women in perimenopause 2. Discuss a process for developing a documentary health education video 3. Discuss a process for developing an interactive website

Keywords: Menopause, Health Communications

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: State of the Art
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA