Web-based interventions for menopause: A systematic integrated literature review

Maturitas. 2017 Jan:95:24-30. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.10.009. Epub 2016 Oct 19.

Abstract

Advances in computer and Internet technologies have allowed health care providers to develop, use, and test various types of Web-based interventions for their practice and research. Indeed, an increasing number of Web-based interventions have recently been developed and tested in health care fields. Despite the great potential for Web-based interventions to improve practice and research, little is known about the current status of Web-based interventions, especially those related to menopause. To identify the current status of Web-based interventions used in the field of menopause, a literature review was conducted using multiple databases, with the keywords "online," "Internet," "Web," "intervention," and "menopause." Using these keywords, a total of 18 eligible articles were analyzed to identify the current status of Web-based interventions for menopause. Six themes reflecting the current status of Web-based interventions for menopause were identified: (a) there existed few Web-based intervention studies on menopause; (b) Web-based decision support systems were mainly used; (c) there was a lack of detail on the interventions; (d) there was a lack of guidance on the use of Web-based interventions; (e) counselling was frequently combined with Web-based interventions; and (f) the pros and cons were similar to those of Web-based methods in general. Based on these findings, directions for future Web-based interventions for menopause are provided.

Keywords: Issues; Literature review; Menopause; Online intervention; Web-based intervention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Counseling
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Menopause*
  • Publications
  • Social Support