Autopercepção de saúde em mulheres climatéricas cadastradas na Estratégia Saúde da Família de Montes Claros/MG

Abstract

Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with negative self-rated health of menopausal women enrolled in the Estratégia Saúde da Família in the city of Montes Claros/MG. Methods: It is a cross-sectional, analytic study, with a quantitative approach, aimed at menopausal women enrolled in the units of the Estratégia Saúde da Família in the city. To collect the data we designed a questionnaire containing demographic, behavioral data (current smoking, alcohol abuse and physical activity), related to health status (self-reported morbidities, weight, medication use and menstruation in the last 12 months) and also on self-rated health. The questionnaire was administered in August 2014 to January 2015. In analyzing the data, we used Poisson regression with robust variance, based on a hierarchical model in which the block of sociodemographic variables were considered distal determinant and conditioned the next block composed of living habits. The variables related to health status and self-reported morbidities, medication use, menopausal symptoms and weight made up the third and final level, the more proximal to the dependent variable. Results: We interviewed 761 climacteric women between 40 and 65 years. The results of this study revealed a prevalence of negative self-rated health of 41.6% and a statistically significant association between negative self-rated health and age corresponding to postmenopausal women, schooling up to eight years of study, having a partner, do not have a formal work, tobacco use and lack of regular physical activity. Regarding variables related to health status, the presence of climacteric symptoms, overweight, current medication use and presence of chronic diseases (high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol level, spinal problems, diabetes, and depression) were associated with a worse perception of health. Conclusion: Nearly half of women who are in menopausal transition has a negative perception of their health and that this negative perception is influenced by non-modifiable (aging) and modifiable factors (lifestyle habits such as tobacco use and lack of regular physical activity).