Public survey reactions to an arts-based educational menopausal hot flash exhibit.

Objective: The aim of this study was to obtain public survey reactions to concept art for an exhibit about menopausal hot flashes designed to stimulate learning, dispel myths, spur dialogue, and increase empathy.

Methods: Immediately before viewing the art, participants provided demographic information and answered one open-ended question. Immediately after viewing the art, participants answered the same open-ended question, one additional open-ended question, and completed quantitative survey questions.

Results: Overall, public reactions to the concept art were positive. Qualitative and quantitative data indicated that the public thought the exhibit was appealing, stimulated learning, dispelled myths, spurred desire to have conversations about hot flashes, and increased empathy for women with menopausal hot flashes.

Conclusions: The exhibit concept art was appealing and was reported to have a positive impact on the public. Study findings provide support for building the exhibit full-scale as a traveling educational resource that might change public discourse around menopausal hot flashes.