OBJECTIVE: To study the causes and factors associated with climacteric women seeking medical care. METHODS: A descriptive exploratory cross-sectional population-based study was carried out. Subjects were 456 women aged 45 to 60 years resident in a metropolitan area of Southeastern, Brazil, selected through area cluster sampling. Data were collected through home interviews using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Statistical analysis were performed using Chi-square test, Cramer's coefficient and logistic multiple regression. RESULTS: About 80% sought medical care due to menstrual irregularities and climacteric symptoms. The main factors associated with women seeking medical care were hormone replacement therapy, marital status, and stronger psychological symptoms. The main reason for not seeking medical care was women's thought that their complaint did not justify medical attention. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high demand for medical care by climacteric women, but a significant percentage did not seek medical attention because they believed their symptoms were ordinary.
Women's health care; Menopause; Climacteric; Medical care; Patient acceptance of health care; Cluster sampling; Interviews; Questionnaires
