Profile of the Participants of the (Extension) Project “Viver Melhor – Assistência Integral às Mulheres no Climatério”

Abstract

Perimenopause is marked by hormonal, physical and psychic changes that can be responsible for unpleasant symptoms in women. The project “Viver Melhor – Assistência Integral às Mulheres no Climatério” is intended to provide health education to women in this phase.  The aim of this study was to access the profile of the participants of the project in order to improve the quality of assistance to these women. The Women’s Health Questionnaire was applied to 36 women, selected in accidental sample. We observed a low punctuation (more serious symptoms) in the questions about somatic symptoms, hot flashes and memory and concentration; and high punctuation (lighter symptoms) in depression, attractiveness and menstrual symptoms. We conclude that the high prevalence and the relative severity of some of these symptoms may have negative consequences in these women’s quality of life. Thus, initiatives focusing in health education to clarify and to stimulate the access to health care system should be encouraged.