Climatério: percepção de mulheres quanto a essa fase da vida e á qualidade da assistência prestada nos serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde

Abstract

Climacterium is a natural phase in women's life, a biological phase that comprises the transition between the reproductive and non-reproductive periods, that is, the perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause periods. In this phase the body suffers from the decrease in hormone levels, generating irregular menstrual cycles and other signs and symptoms that interfere with well-being and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the perception of women regarding the climacteric period and the quality of care provided by health professionals working in the Primary Care Family Health Strategy. The study is justified by emphasizing the relevance of understanding the climacteric period and aims to contribute to the correct encouragement of the monitoring of women experiencing the climacteric phase. METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive-exploratory study, with a qualitative-quantitative approach. The research scenario was the municipality of Balsas-MA, and the research was carried out with women aged 40 to 60 years, duly registered at the Domingos Gomes de Holanda Basic Health Unit - Potosi, totaling 180 participants. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Through the information collected through forms, it was found that among the women interviewed, 60 (33.33%) were between 50 and 54 years old, 80 (44.44%) declared themselves white, 76 (42.22%) are married, 76 (42.22%) have incomplete primary education and 80 (44.44%) have family income between 1 and 2 minimum wages. Regarding personal and obstetric characteristics, it was observed that 56 (31.11%) women said they were stylists, 96 (53.33%) practiced physical activities, 116 (64.44%) had between 1 and 3 pregnancies, in 121 (67.22%) menarche occurred between 10 and 13 years of age, in 130 (72.22%) menopause occurred naturally, and 162 (90%) did not use hormones previously. As for the data from the women's health questionnaire and the classification of symptom intensity, it was observed that 80 (44.44%) present depressive symptoms, 130 (77.22%) anxiety/fear symptoms, 150 (83.33%) somatic symptoms, 150 (83, 33%) experience changes in memory and concentration, 100 (55.56%) report vasomotor symptoms, 120 (66.67%) experienced changes in sexual behavior, 120 (66.67%) sleep disturbances, 120 (66.67%) menstrual symptoms, and, 120 (66.67%) report no longer feeling attractive. In the classification of the menopausal index 59 (32.78%) have mild symptoms, 72 (40.00%) moderate, and 49 (27.22%) have intense symptoms. It was observed that regarding the women's knowledge about the term climacteric, the participants did not know the meaning and associated it with menopause. As for the signs and symptoms, most present signs and symptoms specific to this period and associate it with an aging process and illness and a bad experience. As for the guidance already received and the attention given by health professionals, it is noted that women have little guidance and few health promotion activities during menopause, related to the lack of training and updating of professionals. It was evidenced that the assistance conducts are deficient. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Based on the results found in this study, the relevance of the theme is observed, since there is a great impact on the quality of life of women due to the changes of the climacteric period. It is also observed the need for professional assistance committed to information, education and health promotion, aiming at the well-being and quality of life of women in this phase.