A study protocol on community-based composite screening of postmenopausal women for noncommunicable diseases: Intended to implement preventive strategies (Preprint)

BACKGROUND A high percentage of postmenopausal women suffer from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which calls for a composite screening at the grassroots level to prevent these occurrences and mitigate the growing burden of NCDs among postmenopausal women in India. Given India's limited access to healthcare facilities, we propose assessing the prevalence of NCDs among postmenopausal women by exploring the barriers and facilitators of health-seeking behaviors in this study, beyond empowering postmenopausal women on lifestyle modifications. OBJECTIVE The overall goal is to implement a preventive, women-centred empowerment strategy for improving postmenopausal health. The specific objectives are to screen postmenopausal women for NCDs, explore the facilitators and barriers of health-seeking behaviour among postmenopausal women, and evaluate the effectiveness of a health-promoting lifestyle intervention module on knowledge, behaviour, and biochemical profile. METHODS This study will be conducted in three phases: Phase I, Cross-sectional; Phase II, qualitative; and Phase III, a randomized controlled trial (RCT). In the first phase, postmenopausal women will be screened for NCDs. Women diagnosed with NCDs will be referred to a secondary or tertiary-level health facility for further investigation and treatment. The second phase will explore the barriers and facilitators of women's health-seeking behaviors. In the final phase, the effectiveness of a health-promoting lifestyle intervention through Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) & Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) on behavioral changes is evaluated. RESULTS Not completed CONCLUSIONS This study protocol presents an innovative approach to address the burden of NCDs among postmenopausal women through community-based composite screening and preventive strategies. By identifying at-risk individuals, facilitators, and barriers to health-seeking behavior among postmenopausal women and implementing tailored interventions through ASHAs and SHGs, the program helps to improve health outcomes and reduce the prevalence of NCDs in this vulnerable population. CLINICALTRIAL The study is registered at the Clinical Trials Registry India (Ref No- CTRI/2023/10/058632).