“It’s not my time” : understanding MetSyn pilot project attrition from a women-centered perspective

Abstract

This research project aimed to understand the lived experience of Saskatoon and area women who had discontinued the MetSyn pilot project from a women-centered perspective. The MetSyn pilot project was a program developed by the Women’s Mid-Life Health Center of Saskatchewan in coordination with the Chronic Disease Management Program of the Saskatoon Health Region to provide increased awareness, prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome for women in the Saskatoon area. Phenomenological methodology was used to carry out the project. A one-time semi-structured interview with two study participants resulted in data that was analyzed using a systematic method of analysis (Moustakas, 1994). Due to the small sample size of two participants, the essence of the experience was unable to be determined. The findings, however, resulted in lessons learned such as the experience being communal with a “women as plural theme” that included feelings of disappointment, frustration, annoyance and loss. These feelings were balanced with a sense of empowerment and autonomy in regards to what decision was best for the women given their health goals and other life commitments. These lessons support suggestions for future MetSyn program development such as attention to attrition as an important component of future evaluation planning, the inclusion of guided fitness programs and greater attention to the psychological aspects of metabolic syndrome.