GONÇALVES, G. S.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4859331435692413; GONÇALVES, Giselle Santana.
Abstract:
Menopause is a stage of the biological life of the woman who understands the transition
between reproductive and non-reproductive, occurring usually between 40-65 years old.
Menopause is inserted in this phase, corresponding to the last menstrual cycle, after being
recognized after 12 months of their occurrence. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of
menopausal symptoms on quality of life in women group participants shared experiences, as
well as to characterize them and identify areas for quality of life most affected in this group. It
is a cross-sectional, analytical, with a quantitative focus. It was held in a support group Alto
Sertão da Paraíba, municipality of Cajazeiras, during the month of July, 2013. We used a
socio-demographic questionnaire and the SF -36 to evaluate the average scores and quality of
life of participants. The research was conducted in compliance with the ethical aspects of
human studies, standardized by the National Health Council – CNS, by Resolution no. 466 of
12 December 2012. The sample consisted of 38 women, following the criteria of inclusion
and exclusion. Regarding the socio-demographic characteristics, there was a prevalence for
age between 64 to 73 years with 44.7 %. Generally the most frequently reported symptom
among the participants was heat waves and 26.85% with less vaginal dryness mentioned
6.4%. For the domains, the most affected was the physical aspect (AF) with an average of
40.78 and best preserved was the social domain (AS), with an average of 75.65. We conclude
that QOL is influenced by biological, but also by cultural, social, economic and
psychological. In this sense, as women clarify their doubts and concerns about menopause
they begin to understand the symptoms characteristic of this phase, and accept these changes,
it contributes to the quality of life they aspire to have, so it is necessary to optimize the
assistance during menopause, which covers the woman as whole.
