Relationship Between Menopausal Symptoms, Cancer Screening Behaviors, and Religion Attitudes of Women in the Climacteric Period: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Although it is known that religion is used to cope with health problems, there is a lack of information about the effect of religion on menopausal symptoms and cancer screening attitudes of climacteric women. AIM: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the religious attitudes of women in the climacteric period and their attitudes toward menopausal symptoms and cancer screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 381 women in the climacteric period in the Central Anatolia region of Türkiye. Data collection form, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), OK-Religious Attitude Scale (ORAS), and attitude for cancer screening (short form) (ASCS) were used to collect data. Correlation analysis assessed the relationship between MRS, ORAS, and ASCS. RESULTS: There was a low positive correlation between women's ORAS mean score (35.19 ± 4.80) and MRS mean score (12.68 ± 7.24) (r = 0.284, P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant relationship between the mean ORAS scores of the women and the mean ASCS scores (64.59 ± 10.47) (r = 0.089, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Women who experienced more severe menopausal symptoms had stronger religious attitudes. Women's religious attitudes did not affect their attitudes toward cancer screening. It is therefore recommended that health professionals organize counseling and training activities to protect and improve the health of menopausal women and increase their participation in screening and treatment programs.

Impact of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on climacteric women's health: Websurvey.

OBJECTIVE: The menopausal transition is an important milestone in female reproductive life. Many studies have been conducted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, but few of them focus on the climacteric population. This study aimed to investigate changes in the health and health care of climacteric women aged 40-70 years residing in Brazil during the pandemic period. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out using an electronic form with questions related to sociodemographic, clinical and gynecological data, treatments, access to health services and changes in behavior. RESULTS: A total of 419 women answered the questionnaire. Sixty percent reported weight gain and 50.8% reported reduced physical activity practice. More than 80% reported worsening mental health and 66.1% had a change in their sleep pattern. More than half reported having difficulty accessing gynecological consultations and routine examinations. Women living in capital cities reported a greater change in alcohol consumption (p = 0.002). Income change was associated with a higher prevalence of weight gain (p = 0.033) and changes in sleep quality (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: We observed an important reduction in the health care of climacteric women during the pandemic period, such as a decrease in medical consultations and preventive examinations, worsening of life habits and deterioration in mental health.

Increasing climacteric symptoms in untreated perimenopausal Finnish women: a 10-year cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine changes over a 10-year period in experiencing climacteric symptoms and their associations with sociodemographic and health-related background factors in a birth cohort of Finnish women who have never used menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). METHODS: This nationwide population-based follow-up study consists of 1491 women who during the follow-up period moved from the age group 42-46 years to the age group 52-56 years. The experience of climacteric symptoms was assessed by 12 symptoms commonly associated with the climacterium. The data were analyzed using statistical techniques. RESULTS: Both the intensity, expressed as a symptom score of four symptoms associated with a decrease in estrogen production (sweating, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, sleeping problems), and the prevalence of the five most common symptoms (sweating, hot flushes, sleeping problems, lack of sexual desire, depressive symptoms) increased clearly during the follow-up period. The examined sociodemographic and health-related variables did not explain the changes in experiencing the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study can be considered in primary and occupational health care and in gynecological settings when working with symptomatic women or women with hidden climacteric problems and carrying out health promotion and counseling for them.

Climacteric symptoms, age, and sense of coherence are associated with sexual function scores in women after menopause.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal sexual function presupposes the integration of hormonal, neural, and vascular interactions and is subject to optimal crosstalk among psychological, interpersonal, cultural, and environmental factors. Sense of coherence (SOC) reflects a person's ability to cope with stressors and may influence the occurrence of menopausal symptoms and sexual dysfunction. AIM: To investigate the association of severity of climacteric symptoms, cardiometabolic risk factors, and SOC with sexual function in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Overall 281 sexually active postmenopausal women without significant psychopathology or cardiovascular disease attending the Menopause Unit of Aretaieion Hospital were evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Greene Climacteric Scale, Beck Depression Scale, and Sense of Coherence Scale. Hormonal and biochemical parameters and cardiometabolic risk factors were evaluated. FSFI scores <26.5 were considered pathologic. OUTCOMES: Total and subdomain scores of sexual response were determined. RESULTS: Pathologic FSFI scores were found in 79.7% of the sample. Linear models of multivariable regression analysis showed that FSFI scores were associated with (1) Beck scores (b = -0.200; 95% CI, -0.472 to -0.073, P = .001), vasomotor symptom severity (b = -0.324; 95% CI, -0.985 to 0.051; P < .001), and age and (2) SOC (b = 0.150, 95% CI, 0.036-0.331; P = .008), vasomotor symptom severity (b = -0.361; 95% CI, -0.743 to 0.245; P < .001), and age. Both models were adjusted for menopausal age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, type of menopause, and menopausal hormone therapy intake. SOC was associated with Beck depression scores (ß = -0.487, P < .001; Greene Climacteric Scale total scores, ß = -0.199, P < .001). FSFI score <26.5 vs >26.5 was associated with SOC (odds ratio, 0.982; 95% CI, 0.563 to 1.947; P = .006) and moderate to severe vasomotor symptom severity (odds ratio, 2.476; 95% CI, 1.478 to 3.120; P = .009) independent of age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, menopausal hormone therapy intake, type of menopause, or Beck depression classification. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results indicate the importance of psychometric assessment of postmenopausal women when presenting with scores of low sexual function. The severity of vasomotor symptoms should also be addressed in any case. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is the first study investigating the relationship between SOC and sexuality in menopause in a carefully selected homogenous population. Limitations included the cross-sectional design and the fact that sexual distress was not assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Pathologic FSFI scores were highly prevalent in this sample of postmenopausal women. FSFI is associated positively with age and severity of vasomotor symptoms and negatively with SOC.

Hormone replacement therapy subcutaneous implants for refractory menopause symptoms; the patient's perspective.

OBJECTIVE: For women with menopause symptoms refractory to standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT) preparations, HRT implants offer an alternative. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate women's perceptions regarding efficacy, tolerability, satisfaction and safety of implant therapy. STUDY DESIGN: A single centre service evaluation study performed at Birmingham Women's & Children's Foundation Hospital Trust. An anonymised semi-structured survey link was posted to all women (n = 397) recorded to have received HRT implant(s) at a tertiary Menopause clinic (May 1982 and Dec 2018). Women attending clinic (June 2020 to Sept 2020) were opportunistically invited to complete a written version of the survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data collected included demographics, medical and surgical history, therapy duration, type, indication and complications. Climacteric symptoms were assessed using the Greene Climacteric Scale. RESULTS: Data was obtained for 119 women. The written survey yielded higher response rates (n = 73, 61.3%). Most respondents were 51-60 years old (n = 51 42.9%) and 87.4% (n = 104) were 'White British'. 70 women used estradiol only implants. 30.1%% (n = 34) of patients reported a low Greene Climacteric Scale score (0-5). Subgroup analysis showed prevalence of sexual dysfunction and vasomotor symptoms across ages. There was a lower prevalence of psychological symptoms amongst ≥51 year olds. High satisfaction rates were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Data from a large cohort is presented. Good symptom control, satisfaction and long-term efficacy was demonstrated. This study supports the value of HRT implants for refractory menopause symptoms. A national database of implant users would be a useful tool to record satisfaction scores and adverse events.

Are there differences in symptoms experienced by midlife climacteric women with and without metabolic syndrome? A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Midlife climacteric women with metabolic syndrome are at high risk for experiencing a complex array of symptoms. The aim of this scoping review was to identify the prevalence, types, and clustering of symptoms in midlife climacteric women with metabolic syndrome and to compare them to symptoms of midlife climacteric women without metabolic syndrome. METHODS: A three-step search method was used according to Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Eligibility criteria of participants, concept, context, and types of evidence were selected in alignment with the review questions. Seven databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertation & Theses, OpenGrey) were searched using search terms with no language or date restrictions. Title and abstract screening, full-text review, data charting, and data synthesis were conducted by two independent researchers based on the eligibility criteria. RESULTS: The search yielded 3813 studies after removing duplicates with 48 full-text papers assessed for eligibility. A total of eight studies were reviewed and analyzed which reported the prevalence and types of symptoms individually or grouped based on each body system. Midlife climacteric women with metabolic syndrome experience a wide prevalence of individual and grouped urogenital, vasomotor, psychological, sleep, and somatic symptoms. Mental exhaustion had the highest prevalence (84.4%) among the individual symptoms, and urogenital symptoms had the highest prevalence (81.3%) among the grouped symptoms. There were mixed findings on symptoms between midlife climacteric women with metabolic syndrome and without metabolic syndrome. No studies focused on symptom clusters. CONCLUSION: Our findings will serve as a knowledge basis for understanding symptoms experienced by midlife climacteric women with metabolic syndrome. This new knowledge can assist clinicians in effectively assessing and managing their symptoms in clinical settings and inform future development of targeted symptom management interventions.

A comparative study of climacteric symptoms among two populations of mid-aged women.

The purpose of this study was to compare climacteric symptoms associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among women from Madrid (Spain) and Belgrade (Serbia). A cross-sectional study included 461 women from Madrid and 513 women from Belgrade aged 40-65 years. Climacteric symptoms and HRQOL were examined using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). There were no differences in MRS total score (p = 0.873), somato-vegetative and urogenital domain scores regarding country groups. However, women from Belgrade had poorer psychological domain score than women from Madrid (p = 0.027). Madrilenian women were more likely to have worse MRS score if they were coupled, had gynaecological complaints and longer duration of amenorrhoea. In Belgradian women, having higher level of education and using hormone-replacement therapy was associated with worse MRS score. Midlife women from Madrid and Belgrade had similar perception of intensity of urogenital and somato-vegetative climacteric symptoms. Belgradian women, however, perceived psychological symptoms as more severe.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Social and cultural meanings of menopause vary across countries. It is quite delicate to strike a balance between two or more populations of women that can be compared, but also have specific features that are unique to their area. Similarities such as position of women in the society, access to education, contraception and safe induced abortion can facilitate this comparison.What do the results of this study add? Spanish and Serbian women rated similarly somato-vegetative and urogenital complaints, but Serbian women had worse psychological symptoms compared to Spanish women. Spanish women were more likely to endure climacteric symptoms until they withdraw spontaneously. Serbian women of higher education were more likely to use hormone-replacement therapy to manage climacteric complaints.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study is the first to compare climacteric symptoms between women in Spain and Serbia. Despite the universality of menopause, culture seems to play a major role in differences in the perception of specific climacteric symptoms. Examination of quality of life in menopausal transition is an important measure of health status and should become a part of the routine health care in midlife.

Más allá de la "falla hormonal": concepciones de profesionales de atención primaria sobre el climaterio en Santiago, Chile / Beyond the "ovarian failure": primary healthcare practitioners' views on climacteric in Santiago, Chile

OBJETIVO: El presente artículo busca conocer cómo los profesionales conciben la sexualidad de mujeres en etapa de climaterio, enfatizando aspectos relativos a la salud sexual, al deseo sexual y a los problemas de la sexualidad. MÉTODOS: Enfoque cualitativo basado en la Teoría Fundamentada (Grounded Theory). Se realizaron diez entrevistas en profundidad a profesionales de dos Centros de Salud Familiar (CESFAM) del sector sur de Santiago. RESULTADOS: Los resultados muestran que, si bien existe cierta tendencia a concebir el climaterio desde un punto de vista biologicista centrada principalmente en la "falla hormonal", los/as profesionales muestran diversos grados de reflexividad respecto a cómo aspectos socioculturales, económicos y de género moldean la sexualidad de mujeres en la etapa de climaterio. CONCLUSIONES: Los/as profesionales asumen posturas críticas respecto al rol de las instituciones y programas en salud, a las limitaciones laborales en los centros de salud (por ej. materiales, tiempo, etc.) y a la formación profesional. Este artículo promueve la formulación de políticas de salud en la materia, así como la revisión de los planes de estudio de las carreras de la salud.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to examine how professional practitioners view womens sexuality in the climacteric stage, emphasizing aspects related to sexual health, sexual desire, and sexual disorders. METHODS: Qualitative approach based on the Grounded Theory. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with professionals from two Family Health Centers (CESFAM) in southern Santiago. RESULTS: The results show that, although there is a certain tendency to approach the climacteric from a biological viewpoint focused mainly on the “ovarian failure”, practitioners show different degrees of reflexivity regarding how sociocultural, economic and gender aspects shape womens sexuality in the climacteric stage. CONCLUSIONS: Practitioners adopt critical positions regarding the role of health institutions and programs, work limitations in health centers, and the practitioners training. This article promotes the development of health policies in the matter, as well as the revision of study plans of health careers.

Menopause status and climacteric symptoms in a birth cohort of mid-life New Zealand women.

BACKGROUND: There is little current research on the transition to natural menopause among contemporary groups of mid-life women at age 40 years. OBJECTIVE: This study reports on female members of the Christchurch Health and Development Study cohort. This research aimed to: document the menopause status, reproductive outcomes and climacteric symptoms of the women at age 40 years; examine the associations between menopause status and concurrent measures of psychosocial and economic well-being; and document the associations between menopause status and potential predictors of menopause reflecting childhood, family and individual factors prior to age 40 years. METHODS: The Christchurch Health and Development Study is a longitudinal, representative, prospective cohort of 1265 babies (630 females) born in New Zealand in 1977. At age 40 years, 470 women (who had not experienced surgical menopause) were interviewed on their menopause status, climacteric symptoms and associated factors. RESULTS: The majority of women were premenopausal, around 20% were perimenopausal and 2% were postmenopausal. Statistically significant associations were found reflecting higher rates of diagnosed reproductive disorder, climacteric symptoms, low occupational status, non-heterosexual sexuality and exposure to childhood sexual abuse amongst both perimenopausal and postmenopausal women at age 40 years. CONCLUSION: These data will inform directions for future data collection and analyses.

Sexualidad y características biológicas, psicoafectivas y sociales en mujeres climatéricas / Sexuality and biological, psycho-affective and social characteristics in climacterics women

Introducción: Se desconocen las características sexuales, biológicas y psicosociales de mujeres con menopausia fisiológica, en la consulta de climaterio y menopausia. Esta información resulta importante para realizar acciones de promoción de salud. Objetivo: Determinar las características sexuales, biológicas y psicosociales más frecuentes en mujeres climatéricas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal en 300 mujeres climatéricas, con menopausia fisiológica confirmada. Se recogió la edad (agrupada en 40-44, 45-49 y más de 49 años), el tiempo de menopausia (agrupada en menos de 3 años, 3-5 años, 6-10 años y más de 10 años), por cientopresencia de afecciones genitourinarias, síntomas físicos, psicosociales y sexuales. Resultados: Predominaron mujeres mayores de 49 años (56 por ciento) con 33,4 por ciento de 3 a 5 años de menopausia, 6,7 por ciento de atrofia genitourinaria, síntomas de sofocos 75 por ciento, dolores óseos, 70 por ciento, depresión-ansiedad y sequedad vaginal, 50 por ciento; 45 por ciento de insatisfacción sexual y dificultad en la toma de decisiones, 40 por ciento con dificultades en la comunicación con la pareja y desinterés, 38,6 por ciento tuvo disminución del deseo sexual, mientras que el 16 por ciento incrementó su apetencia sexual. Conclusiones: Las mujeres climatéricas estudiadas fueron mayores de 49 años, con menopausia entre 3 y 5 años, con bajo porcentaje de atrofia genitourinaria, con sofocos, dolores óseos, sequedad vaginal, depresión, ansiedad, dificultad en la comunicación de pareja y disminución del deseo sexual(AU)

Introduction: The sexual, biological and psychosocial characteristics of women with physiological menopause in the climacteric and menopause consultation are not known. This information is important to carry out health promotion actions. Objective: To determine the most frequent sexual, biological and psychosocial characteristics in climacteric women. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in 300 climacteric women with confirmed physiological menopause. Age (grouped in 40-44, 45-49 and more than 49 years), time of menopause (grouped in less than 3 years, 3-5 years, 6-10 years and more than 10 years), presence of genitourinary affections, physical, psychosocial and sexual symptoms. Results: Women older than 49 years (56 percent o) predominated with 33.4 percent of 3 to 5 years of menopause, 6.7 percent of genitourinary atrophy, symptoms of hot flashes 75 percent o, bone pain, 70 percent o, depression-anxiety and dryness vaginal, 50 percent o; 45 percent o of sexual dissatisfaction and difficulty in making decisions, 40 percent o with difficulties in communication with the partner and disinterest, 38.6% had a decrease in sexual desire, while 16 percent o increased their sexual desire. Conclusions: The climacteric women studied were older than 49 years, with menopause between 3 and 5 years, with a low percentage of genitourinary atrophy, with hot flashes, bone pain, vaginal dryness, depression, anxiety, difficulty in partner communication and decreased desire sexual(AU)

Life Change, Social Identity, and Health.

Life change affects health. Research aimed at understanding the consequences of life change has primarily focused on the important roles played by stress, social support, individual differences, and broader socioeconomic factors in shaping health outcomes, most notably mental health decline. In this review we extend these accounts by exploring social identity-based determinants of adjustment to life change. We do so by drawing on social identity theorizing and, in particular, the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC). This points to the importance of multiple, maintained, new, and compatible group memberships as determinants of people's responses and adjustment to life change. We apply this model to understand the health consequences of adjustment to life change in four diverse areas: pursuit of higher education, migration, trauma and resilience, and recovery from illness and injury. Finally, we provide direction for future research on SIMIC and the health consequences of life change.

Influence of overcommitment on the quality of life and on climacteric symptoms in nursing professionals / Influencia del compromiso excesivo sobre la calidad de la vida y en los síntomas del climaterio de profesionales de enfermería / Influência do comprometimento excessivo na qualidade de vida e nos sintomas do climatério de profissionais da enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the general characteristics of nursing professionals and assess the influence of overcommitment on perceived climacteric symptoms and on the quality of life of nursing professionals. Method: A cross-sectional, analytical study of 152 nursing auxiliaries and assistants aged 40 years or older was conducted at 3 hospitals in the interior of São Paulo state. Sociodemographic data were collected and the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index, Women´s Health Questionnaire, Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey and Effort-Reward Imbalance were applied in 2017. A descriptive analysis was performed and network analysis was carried out. Results: Participants had a mean age of 50.23 years (SD ±7.1). Group 1 comprising 61 (40.1%) women with overcommitment had poorer quality of life as well as more severe climacteric symptoms. Conclusions: Presence of overcommitment seems to influence the negative perception of climacteric symptomatology and quality of life.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las características generales de los profesionales de enfermería y evaluar cómo el compromiso excesivo puede influir en la percepción de los síntomas del climaterio y la calidad de vida de estas mujeres. Métodos: Este es un estudio analítico de corte transversal que evaluó a 152 auxiliares de enfermería y técnicas en el grupo de edad de 40 años en 3 hospitales em el interior del estado de São Paulo. En 2017, se recopilaron los datos sociodemográficos y se aplicaron el Índice de Menopausia de Blatt-Kupperman, Women´s Health Questionnaire, El Cuestionario de Salud SF-36 y El Cuestionario Effort-reward Imbalance. Análisis descriptivo y análisis de red se realizó. Resultados: La edad promedio de los participantes fue de 50,23 años (DP = ± 7,1). Grupo 1 compuesto por 61 (40.1%) mujeres con compromiso excesivo fue la peor calidad de vida y la mayor intensidad de síntomas climáticos. Conclusiones: La presencia de compromiso excesivo parece influir en una percepción negativa de la sintomatología climática y una peor calidad de vida.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as características gerais das profissionais de enfermagem e avaliar como o comprometimento excessivo pode influenciar na percepção dos sintomas do climatério e na qualidade de vida dessas mulheres. Método: trata-se de estudo transversal analítico, que avaliou 152 auxiliares e técnicas da enfermagem, na faixa etária de 40 anos ou mais, em 3 hospitais do interior do estado de São Paulo. Em 2017, foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e aplicados os instrumentos Índice Menopausal de Blatt-Kupperman, Questionário Saúde da Mulher, Medical Outcome Study 36-item short form Health Survey e Effort Reward Imbalance. Foi realizada análise descritiva e análise de rede. Resultados: A idade média das participantes foi de 50,23 anos (DP = ±7,1). O grupo 1, composto por 61(40,1%) mulheres com comprometimento excessivo apresentou pior qualidade de vida e maior intensidade de sintomas climatéricos. Conclusões: Presença de comprometimento excessivo parece influenciar em uma percepção negativa da sintomatologia do climatério e em uma pior qualidade de vida.

Efeitos da terapia floral sobre o estado de ansiedade em mulheres no climatério / Effects of floral therapy on the state of anxiety in climacteric women

Introdução: O climatério corresponde ao período de vida da mulher onde ocorre a transição do ciclo reprodutivo para o não reprodutivo. Ocorre habitualmente entre os 40 e 65 anos, constituindo-se por um período de inúmeras mudanças. O uso da terapia floral nesta fase de vida pode ser visto como terapêutica única ou complementar ao tratamento convencional. Objetivos específicos: analisar as queixas clínicas de mulheres no climatério sob acompanhamento e sua relação com os indicadores do Diagnóstico de Enfermagem Ansiedade; avaliar os efeitos da terapia floral no autocontrole do estado de ansiedade em mulheres vivendo o climatério. Método: Intervenção clínica individualizada, quase- experimental, comparativo, do tipo antes-depois, com abordagem quantitativa, aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, tendo respeitado todos os preceitos éticos de pesquisas com seres humanos. O campo da pesquisa foi o Núcleo de Atenção em Práticas Integrativas e Complementares de Saúde (NAPICS), da Rede de Atenção Básica do município de Maricá/RJ. As participantes foram mulheres na faixa etária compreendida entre 40 e 65 anos, independentemente de estarem, ou não, em uso de terapia hormonal, selecionadas por conveniência. A coleta de dados foi realizada no período de março a novembro de 2019, através de consulta de enfermagem individual, com acompanhamento por seis meses seguidos, sendo um encontro a cada mês. Adotou-se a entrevista individual, guiada por um roteiro semiestruturado, seguido da aplicação da escala tipo Likert para classificação dos resultados de enfermagem relacionados ao Autocontrole da Ansiedade, empregada em todas as consultas. Os frascos contendo os florais foram preparados pela pesquisadora e entregues às mulheres a partir da terceira consulta. Todas as consultas foram gravadas em meio magnético e transcritas na íntegra para posterior análise. O programa utilizado para análise foi o IBM SPSS Statistics version 24. Descrição apresentada na forma de frequência observada, porcentagem, valores mínimo e máximo, medidas de tendência central e de variabilidade. O teste não paramétrico de Friedman comparou os escores do autocontrole da ansiedade entre as consultas. O nível alfa de significância utilizado foi de 5%. Adotou-se conceitos da Teoria de Martha Elizabeth Rogers como sustentação da terapia implementada. Resultados e Discussão: Todas as consultas de enfermagem seguiram os preceitos de acolhimento e integralidade no cuidado em saúde, preconizados pelo SUS. Os resultados confirmam o perfil das mulheres que substancialmente procuram a rede básica de saúde: baixa renda familiar, ocupações compatíveis a pouca escolaridade e, ainda, desemprego. Não realizam atividadfísica 79,37% das participantes. Além da ansiedade, as mulheres apresentam tristeza (100,00%); fadiga/cansaço (98,41%); dor nas articulações (96,83%); fogachos/ondas de calor (95,24%), insônia (93,65%), cefaleia (88,89%) e dormência (88,89%). No âmago das tecnologias de cuidado no climatério, a terapia floral vem angariando espaço, vez que atende aos princípios de integralidade da mulher, elevando sua autoestima e bem-estar. Conclusão: Os resultados da investigação após o desenvolvimento de três consultas 'pré intervenção' e três consultas 'pós intervenção', constataram que a terapia floral proporcionou às participantes responderem ao DE Ansiedade de forma satisfatória, quando se compara as consultas pré e pós intervenção. Portanto, houve redução dos níveis de ansiedade das participantes do estudo com o uso da terapia floral, deferindo o desfecho pretendido.

Introduction: O climacteric corresponds to the life period of the woman where the transition from the reproductive cycle to the non-reproductive cycle occurs. It usually occurs between 40 and 65 years, constituting for a period of numerous changes. The use of floral therapy in this phase of life can be seen as a single therapy or complementary to conventional treatment. Specific objectives: to analyze the clinical complaints of women in the climacteric under follow-up and their relationship with the indicators of the Anxiety Nursing Diagnosis; evaluate the effects of floral therapy on self-control of anxiety status in women living in climacteric. Method: Individualized, almost experimental, comparative clinical intervention, of the type before-after, with quantitative approach, approved by the Research Ethics Committee, having respected all ethical precepts of research with human beings. The field of research was the Center for Attention in Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (NAPICS), of the Primary Care Network of the municipality of Maricá/RJ. The participants were women between 40 and 65 years old, regardless of whether or not they were using hormone therapy, selected for convenience. Data collection was performed from March to November 2019, through individual nursing consultation, with follow-up for six months in a row, being a meeting each month. The individual interview was adopted, guided by a semi- structured script, followed by the application of the Likert scale to classify nursing outcomes related to Self-Control Anxiety, used in all consultations. The vials containing the florals were prepared by the researcher and delivered to the women from the third consultation. All consultations were recorded in magnetic medium and transcribed in full for further analysis. The program used for analysis was IBM SPSS Statistics version 24. Description presented in the form of observed frequency, percentage, minimum and maximum values, measures of central tendency and variability. Friedman's nonparametric test compared anxiety self-control scores between appointments. The alpha level of significance used was 5%. Concepts of Martha Roger's Theory were adopted as support for the implemented therapy. Results and Discussion: All nursing consultations followed the precepts of reception and integrality in health care, recommended by the SUS. The results confirm the profile of women who substantially seek the basic health network: low family income, occupations compatible with low schooling and also unemployment. 79.37% of the participants did not perform physical activity. In addition to anxiety, women present sadness (100.00%); fatigue/tiredness (98.41%); joint pain (96.83%); hot flashes (95.24%), insomnia (93.65%), headache (88.89%) and numbness (88.89%). At the heart of climacteric care technologies, floral therapy has been gathering space, since it meets the principles of integrality of women, raising their self-esteem and well-being. Conclusion: The results of the research after the development of three 'pre- intervention' consultations and three 'post-intervention' consultations found that floral therapy allowed participants to respond to ED Anxiety satisfactorily when com commencing pre- and post-intervention consultations. Therefore, there was a reduction in the anxiety levels of the study participants with the use of floral therapy, deferring the intended outcome.

The role of stress and self-efficacy in somatic and psychological symptoms during the climacteric period - Is there a specific association?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence and specificity of sociodemographic and psychological factors on the perception of symptoms associated with menopause. STUDY DESIGN: Data are based on a nationwide cross-sectional survey study in Germany. A representative sample of 1350 females aged 14-95 years was examined. Sociodemographic factors, perceived stress, and self-efficacy were assessed. Women were divided into three age groups (young women ≤ 44 years; perimenopausal women 45-60 years; older women ≥ 61 years), and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) was used over the entire life span. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total score on the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and hot flushes/sweating assessed via the MRS. RESULTS: The MRS total score increased with age. Both MRS total score and hot flushes were positively associated with perceived stress in all three age groups. The MRS total score was negatively associated with self-efficacy; for hot flushes, this association could be shown for perimenopausal women only. Furthermore, interaction effects between perceived stress and self-efficacy were found: in perimenopausal and older women, the association between perceived stress and the MRS total score was stronger the lower self-efficacy was. This interaction effect was not observed in younger women. No interaction effect was found in any age group for hot flushes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that self-efficacy influences the severity of symptoms measured with the MRS. Interventions aimed to reduce stress and strengthen self-efficacy could lead to a lower symptom burden in perimenopausal women.

Hormonal therapy in menopausal transition: implications for improvement of health-related quality of life.

The study aim was to assess scores of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) among women who use and desire to use hormonal therapy (HT), as well as to evaluate factors contributing to HT use and desire to use HT among women in menopausal transition. A total of 513 mid-aged women participated in the study. Data were collected using socio-demographic questionnaire, MRS and Beck Depression Inventory. The prevalence of current HT use was 9.7%, while 4.5% of women who did not use HT expressed a desire to start using HT. The MRS cutoff score for HT use was 10.5 and 11.5 among those who desire to use HT. Living in the central city districts, having lower body mass index, younger age at menopause, more gynecological illnesses, and worse MRS were associated with HT use. Living in the central city districts, having fewer births, more gynecological and chronic illnesses and having more depressive symptoms were associated with the desire to use HT. Mid-aged women who perceive their quality of life as poor due to climacteric symptoms should be advised to consider HT to improve their health status and everyday functioning.

Symptomatology and quality of life between two populations of climacteric women.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare climacteric symptomatology and sociodemographic conditions and their effect on quality of life in two populations: Monterrey (Mexico) and Madrid (Spain). METHODS: 469 women from Monterrey (mean age 50.5 + 4.3 years) and 452 (mean age 51.7 + 3.7 years) from Madrid participated in the study. Descriptive analyses of sociodemographic and clinics characteristics of the sample were performed. A cross-sectional design and a regression analysis were performed to establish the sociodemographic and clinical variables that would be used as predictors of quality of life. Data was collected using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life, MENQOL, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Quality of Life Scale for Women Aged From 45 to 64 (QLS), and a sociodemographic and clinical interview designed ad hoc. RESULTS: Approximately 60% of both Spanish and Mexican women present symptoms during climacteric that impairs their quality of life. Spanish women suffer more intense symptoms and for a longer period of time than Mexican women, with the exception of anxiety. Mexican women report better quality of life than Spanish women and it is moderated by educational, socioeconomical, and marital status. Women's knowledge about menopause is also related to a better quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the differences in climacteric symptomatology between populations and the impact of educational level and knowledge about menopause as predictors of a better quality of life in climacteric women.

Quality of life in the climacteric of nurses working in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the quality of life of primary care nurses in the climacteric. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study, performed with 98 female nurses, aged 40-65 years, using the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire. RESULTS: the worst level of quality of life was observed for professionals aged 50-59 years, non-white, specialists, divorced or widowed, with children, a lower income, with another employment relationship, a weekly workload of more than 40 hours, who consumed alcoholic beverages weekly, with chronic disease, in continuous use of medications, sedentary, who did not menstruate and did not receive hormonal treatment, and who went through menopause between the ages of 43-47 years. CONCLUSION: Although the variables "physical activity" and "age" have a statistically significant association with quality of life, other variables seem to interfere in these professionals' lives, indicating the need for a more critical and deep reflection on these relations.

Effect of symptoms of climacteric syndrome, depression and insomnia on self-rated work ability in peri- and post-menopausal women in non-manual employment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was evaluation of the relationship between severity of symptoms of climacteric syndrome, depressive disorders and sleep problems, and the self-rated work ability of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women in non-manual employment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 287 women aged 45-60 years, employed in various institutions as non-manual workers. Work Ability Index, Greene Climacteric Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Athens Insomnia Scale were used. RESULTS: The examined peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women in non-manual employment obtained good work ability on the Work Ability Index. The severity of menopausal syndrome, according to the Greene Climacteric Scale, was moderate, placing the examined women between results for the general population of women and the pattern for menopausal women. Depressive disorders ranked between low mood and moderate depression. No depression was observed in 59% of the women, whereas moderate depression was observed in 39%, and severe depression in only 2%. Sleep disorders were on the border of normal range. As many as 46% of the women had no sleep problems, which was on the border of normal range in 36%. Only 19% of the examined women suffered from insomnia. Work ability correlated negatively with depression and insomnia severity, as well as with psychological and vasomotor symptoms of climacteric syndrome, but not to its somatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Preventing the occurrence and treatment of menopausal symptoms, sleep and mood disorders may contribute to maintaining the work ability of women in peri- and post-menopausal age.