‘Simply do it.’: Results from an online questionnaire to inform a community-based menopause education and support programme in the UK, InTune

Abstract

Objective: We are developing a menopause education and support programme, ‘InTune’, using co-design that includes focus groups and workshops. We have identified the need for two key interventions: one aimed at raising general awareness, Be Prepared for Menopause, and another to support those currently experiencing menopause symptoms. This survey aims to reach a broader audience to better understand their needs and preferences around menopause education and support. The insights gained will help us further develop the InTune programme. Study design: An anonymous, online cross-sectional questionnaire was developed with key stakeholders, covering demographic characteristics, menopause preparedness, and opinions and recommendations for programme design. The survey was conducted online using Qualtrics between 16/1/24 and 22/3/24. Main outcome measures: Of 1596 respondents (98.4% female; 75.6% White British; median age 50 years; 79.5% peri/postmenopausal), 77.4% reported being somewhat informed or not informed about menopause. Over 90% agreed that a national menopause education and support programme was needed, delivered in-person and/or online, in weekly hour-long sessions, over 2–4 weeks. Key to acceptability and success is that information is accessible, accurate, and based on ‘latest scientific evidence and debunk[s] some of the myths’. Respondents emphasised the importance of developing a programme that was accessible to all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexuality, disability status, neurodivergence and age at/cause of menopause. Conclusion: Over 90% of participants agreed that a menopause education and support programme with standardised and evidence-based content was needed. This data will allow us to refine the InTune programme.