Menopausa

: indicadores de saúde, comportamentos de saúde e estado de saúde em mulheres na menopausa

Abstract

Menopause is a natural process of the woman's reproductive cycle, it is aphysiological event that occurs after 12 months of amenorrhea. It originates in the loss offollicular function of the ovaries and in the secretion of estrogens, which leads tohormonal disruption, which can lead to physical, psychological and even social changesin women at this stage of the life cycle.This study aimed to understand the predictors of health status in women who areat different stages of menopause (pre, peri and post), in terms of health indicators(psychological well-being and social support) and behavioral behaviors. health (physicalexercise, food, alcohol consumption and tobacco consumption), taking into account theirmarital status. This study is pertinent, since the health status appears often compromisedin these women, due to the changes underlying this phase of life.The sample was collected in digital format, due to the confinement that the Covid-19 pandemic involved. It consists of women who are in menopause. For data collection,several validated questionnaires were applied to the Portuguese population that assess thevariables under study.The results revealed statistically significant differences between women atdifferent stages of menopause (pre, peri and post) in terms of health indicators(psychological well-being and social support) and health behaviors (physical exercise,diet, alcohol consumption) and tobacco consumption). It was found that health indicators(psychological well-being and social support) and health behaviors (physical exercise,diet, alcohol consumption and tobacco consumption) correlate with the health status ofwomen in menopause. Age and satisfaction with the family proved to be predictors ofhealth status in women in menopause. Age moderated the relationship between healthbehaviors (physical exercise, diet, alcohol consumption and tobacco consumption) andhealth status in menopausal women.

Date of Award	4 Feb 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Eleonora C. V. Costa (Supervisor)