Psychosocial behaviour and physical activity related with the level of knowledge on menopause
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How to quote
Salgado Álvarez C et al. Conducta psicosocial y actividad física relacionada con el climaterio. Metas de Enferm oct 2010; 13(8): 68-75
Authors
1Carlos Salgado Álvarez, 2Rosa Antolín Rodríguez, 3Laura Moure Fernández, 2María José Puialto Durán
Position
1Enfermero y Licenciado en Antropología Social y Cultural (Especialidad Salud). Enfermero Unidad Hospitalización Digestiva Hospital Xeral-C
Contact address
Carlos Salgado Álvarez. C/ Numancia, 30, 3º Izda. 36206 Vigo (Pontevedra).
Contact email: carlos.salgado.alvarez@sergas.es
Abstract
Objectives: to ascertain the physical activity and exercise performed by women, as well as the psychosocial behaviour they develop in different settings (work, social relationships, hobbies and culture, social participation and sexuality), while also determining their level of knowledge on menopause.
Material and method: cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in 2008 on 425 women aged 30-60 years who were recruited from Primary Care centres and who were residents of the health care area of Vigo. The data were collected by means of two validated self-administered questionnaires.
Results: the response rate was 88,7%. The mean value of the knowledge held by the women was high, 40,5 (pre-menopausal women (35-44 years): mean of 40; menopausal women (45-60 years): mean of 40,8). 50,5% of women conducted some type of “intensive activity” every day. 26,4% collaborated with their work colleagues very often. 13,7% of women from the pre-menopausal group and 7% of women from the menopausal group met up with friends several times a week (p = 0.006). 45,4% of women used some type of birth control method (n = 171) (premenopausal: 68,5%, n = 113; menopausal: 27,1%, n 58; p = 0,000).
Conclusions: the studied women have demonstrated that they are highly knowledgeable on menopause, but this knowledge does not translate into the development and maintenance of healthy behaviours. It is necessary to establish educational programmes that promote an attitude change in these women. The key elements to do so are Primary Care health teams and within these the nurse plays a key role, due to her professional skills and proximity in the community.
Material and method: cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in 2008 on 425 women aged 30-60 years who were recruited from Primary Care centres and who were residents of the health care area of Vigo. The data were collected by means of two validated self-administered questionnaires.
Results: the response rate was 88,7%. The mean value of the knowledge held by the women was high, 40,5 (pre-menopausal women (35-44 years): mean of 40; menopausal women (45-60 years): mean of 40,8). 50,5% of women conducted some type of “intensive activity” every day. 26,4% collaborated with their work colleagues very often. 13,7% of women from the pre-menopausal group and 7% of women from the menopausal group met up with friends several times a week (p = 0.006). 45,4% of women used some type of birth control method (n = 171) (premenopausal: 68,5%, n = 113; menopausal: 27,1%, n 58; p = 0,000).
Conclusions: the studied women have demonstrated that they are highly knowledgeable on menopause, but this knowledge does not translate into the development and maintenance of healthy behaviours. It is necessary to establish educational programmes that promote an attitude change in these women. The key elements to do so are Primary Care health teams and within these the nurse plays a key role, due to her professional skills and proximity in the community.
Keywords:
climateric; exercise; menopause; physical activity; psychosocial behaviour; research; social support; woman
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