Análisis de los estilos de vida de la mujer climatérica: un componente esencial en el estudio de las necesidades educativas

Abstract

Objective To determine patterns of behavioral factors in potential users of the Menopausal Women's Health Program in the Molino de la Vega Basic Health Area in Huelva. Method A descriptive study was performed in 60 women (aged between 40 and 60 years old) in the Basic Health Area. The women were administered a questionnaire consisting of 146 questions, grouped into five dimensions, with prior validation by an expert panel and pilot study. Statistical analysis: absolute frequencies and percentages, application of the test of independence, analysis of variance and the Newman-Keuls test. Results a) Dietary behavior: 65% of the women drank milk two or more times per day; 90% showed moderate fiber intake; meat was eaten several times per week by 83%, pork by 55%, egg by 78%, blue fish by 75%, and slow-release carbohydrates by 76%. A total of 86.7% used olive oil. b) Physical activity: 40% reported taking physical activity rarely or never. c) Sleep patterns: 78.3% reported frequent waking. d) Psychosocial behavior: 66% of the women went out with their partners or friends only occasionally or never; 64.5% never initiated sexual relations. e) Other behavior: 83.3% had never smoked, 18.4% frequently took hypnotics, 25% took tranquilizers, and 48.3% took pain killers. Conclusions Educational intervention was required in most of the dimensions. The least healthy behavior patterns were found in the dimensions of physical activity and psychosocial aspects.