A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of a Progressive Muscular Relaxation Technique on Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life of Post Menopausal Women at B.V.V.Sangha's Akkanabalaga, Bagalkot

Abstract

Background of the study: Women’s health has been a global concern for many decades. Postmenopausal women have to face many problems, both physical and mental. Progressive Muscular Relaxation Technique have main role for reduce psychological problems. Therefore, researchers believe that the effectiveness of muscle relaxation techniques on depression, anxiety, and quality of life in postmenopausal women should be evaluated at B.V.V.Sangha's Akkanabalaga, Bagalkot. Methodology: This was true experimental study with Pre-test post-test control group design with 66 subjects selected through simple random sampling technique and assigned 33 post menopausal women to experimental group and 33 post menopausal women to control group by using computer generated random numbers. Data was collected using Center for Epidemiological Research Studies- Depression Scale, General Anxiety Disorder- 7 Scale and WHO Quality of life Bref scale. Progressive Muscular Relaxation Technique for every alternative day for 1 month (15 sessions) for the post menopausal women of experimental group. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in terms of Frequency distribution, percentage, mean, Standard Deviation, Fisher’s Exact Probability, Independent‘t’ test, Friedman’s ANOVA, Pearson correlation and Multiple Regression analysis. Results: Findings related to Pre-intervention comparison of Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life. There was no significant differences were found in any of the outcome variables between experimental and control groups. [Depression t= 1.396, Anxiety t= - 0.823, QOL t= 1.039 (table value= 1.96), p<0.05]. Effectiveness of Progressive Muscular Relaxation Technique: Within the Group and between the group Comparison of Outcome Variables revealed that, a statistically significant difference in experimental group from baseline to 4^th month assessment compared to control group. Depression score were positively correlated with anxiety (r =0.143) and negatively correlated with quality of life(r = -0.217) indicating increase depression increases the anxiety and decreases the quality of life. There was negative correlation with anxiety and quality of life (r= -0.038) indicating increase in anxiety decreased quality of life. No significant association was found between 4^th month post intervention assessment of Depression and Anxiety with socio demographic variables and clinical characteristics among post menopausal women and there is a significant association was found between 4^th month post intervention assessment of Quality of life with socio demographic variables (occupation and number of children) among post menopausal women. Interpretation and conclusion:  Studies have proven that the benefits of exercise on positive muscles for postmenopausal women's depression, anxiety and quality of life are positive, scientific, reasonable and accurate, and are effective in treating postmenopausal women's depression and anxiety and improving their quality of life.