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FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NEGATIVE SELF-RATED HEALTH OF MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN

FACTORES ASOCIADOS A LA AUTOEVALUACIÓN DE SALUD NEGATIVA DE MUJERES DE MEDIA EDAD

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To evaluate factors associated with negative self-rated health among middle-aged women treated at a climacteric outpatient clinic.

Method:

This is a cross-sectional, analytical study conducted with 116 women assisted in the period between March 2015 and March 2020 at the climacteric outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. Data were collected through telephone interviews from October 2020 to January 2021, using a questionnaire containing questions about sociodemographic, health and psychosocial data. Self-rated health was checked by asking the subjects how they rated their health. The association measure used was the prevalence ratio and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Poisson’s multiple regression was used in the multivariate analysis.

Results:

Most middle-aged women in this study (54.3%) had negative self-rated health. The factor associated with the outcome was menopausal symptoms (p< 0.001), identified in the severe menopausal symptoms category PR= 2.95 (95%CI 1.4-6.3).

Conclusion:

The higher prevalence of negative self-rated health among the women in this study is probably related to the life stage they are experiencing. Menopausal symptoms are associated with women’s perception of health due to their discomfort and consequent impact on their lives.

DESCRIPTORS:
Self-assessment; Middle-age; Climacteric; Women; Women’s health

RESUMEN

Objetivo:

Evaluar los factores asociados con la autopercepción de salud negativa entre mujeres de mediana edad atendidas en un ambulatorio de climaterio.

Método:

Estudio transversal, analítico, realizado con 116 mujeres atendidas en el período comprendido entre marzo de 2015 y marzo de 2020 en el ambulatorio de climaterio de un hospital universitario de Cuiabá-MT, Brasil. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas telefónicas, de octubre de 2020 a enero de 2021, utilizando un cuestionario que contenía preguntas sobre datos sociodemográficos, de salud y psicosociales. La salud autoevaluada se verificó preguntando cómo calificaron su salud. La medida de asociación utilizada fue la razón de prevalencia e intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). En el análisis multivariante se utilizó la regresión múltiple de Poisson.

Resultados:

La mayoría de las mujeres de mediana edad en este estudio (54,3%) tenían una autoevaluación de salud negativa. El factor asociado al desenlace fueron los síntomas menopáusicos (p< 0,001), identificados en la categoría síntomas menopáusicos severos PR= 2,95 (IC 95% 1,4-6,3).

Conclusión:

La mayor prevalencia de autoevaluación de salud negativa entre las mujeres de este estudio probablemente esté relacionada con la etapa de la vida en la que se encuentran. Los síntomas de la menopausia están asociados a la percepción de salud de la mujer por su malestar y consecuente impacto en su vida.

DESCRIPTORES:
Autoevaluación; Edad Media; Climatérico; Mujer; La salud de la mujer

RESUMO

Objetivo:

Avaliar os fatores associados à autoavaliação da saúde negativa de mulheres de meia-idade atendidas em um ambulatório de climatério.

Metodo:

Estudo transversal, analítico, desenvolvido com 116 mulheres atendidas no período entre março de 2015 e março de 2020 no ambulatório de climatério de um hospital universitário de Cuiabá-MT. Os dados foram coletados, por meio de entrevista por telefone, no período de outubro de 2020 a janeiro de 2021, utilizando-se questionário contendo perguntas sobre dados sociodemográficos, de saúde e psicossociais. A autoavaliação da saúde foi verificada perguntando como elas avaliavam sua saúde. A medida de associação utilizada foi a razão de prevalência e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). Na análise multivariada utilizou-se a regressão múltipla de Poisson.

Resultados:

A maioria das mulheres de meia-idade deste estudo (54,3%) apresenta autoavaliação da saúde negativa. O fator que apresentou associação ao desfecho foi sintomas da menopausa (p< 0,001), identificado na categoria de sintomas severos da menopausa RP= 2,95 (IC 95% 1,4- 6,3).

Conclusão:

A maior prevalência de autoavaliação da saúde negativa das mulheres deste estudo, provavelmente, tem relação com a fase da vida em que estão vivenciando. Os sintomas da menopausa têm associação com a percepção de saúde das mulheres pelos seus desconfortos e consequente impacto em suas vidas.

DESCRITORES:
Autoavaliação; Meia-idade; Climatério; Mulheres; Saúde da mulher

INTRODUCTION

The longevity of women is a phenomenon that accompanies population aging. Estimates indicate that women usually live about seven years longer than men, whose life expectancy is 72.8 years, while that of women is 79.9 years11. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios Contínua [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2021 Feb 21]. Available from: https://www.ibge.gov.br/estatisticas/sociais/trabalho/9171-pesquisa-nacional-por-amostra-de-domicilios-continua-mensal.html
https://www.ibge.gov.br/estatisticas/soc...
. However, this does not imply that they are necessarily healthier. Women are affected by a higher percentage of chronic diseases and comorbidities, are more likely to have disabling conditions such as frailty and osteoporosis22. Vikram K. Early marriage and health among women at midlife: evidence from India. J Marriage Fam [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2022 Jan 17];83(5):1480-501. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12793
https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12793...
, in addition to being more susceptible to depression and anxiety and having a higher prevalence of dementia and risk of suicide22. Vikram K. Early marriage and health among women at midlife: evidence from India. J Marriage Fam [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2022 Jan 17];83(5):1480-501. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12793
https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12793...
.

Due to gender inequalities, women suffer impacts related to socioeconomic factors which affect their education, income and employment. Women suffer more domestic violence and have greater difficulties in accessing healthcare. These factors lead to a decrease in healthy life expectancy22. Vikram K. Early marriage and health among women at midlife: evidence from India. J Marriage Fam [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2022 Jan 17];83(5):1480-501. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12793
https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12793...
-33. Jenny H, Chungkham HS, Hyde M, Zaninotto P, Alexanderson K, Stenholm S, et al. Socioeconomic differences in healthy and disease-free life expectancy between ages 50 and 75: a multi-cohort study. Eur J Public Health [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2022 Jan 09];29(2):267-72. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cky215
https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cky215...
.

The literature produced on women’s health mainly focuses on women in the younger age group (reproduction, teenage pregnancy and maternal health) and on older women (menopause, falls, dementia, violence and social isolation)44. Nour NM. Global women’s health: a global perspective. Scand J Clin Lab Invest [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2021 Apr 03];74(Suppl 244):8-12. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3109/00365513.2014.936673
https://doi.org/10.3109/00365513.2014.93...
. Little has been studied about middle-aged women and their health needs55. Castro APR, Vidal ECF, Saraiva ARB, Arnaldo SM, Borges AMM, Almeida MI, et al. Promoting health among the elderly: actions in primary health care. Rev Bras Geriatr Gerontol [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2021 Apr 02];21(2):158-67. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/1981-22562018021.170133
https://doi.org/10.1590/1981-22562018021...
.

In terms of age group, there is still no consensus in the literature that defines middle age. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers that people aged between 45 and 59 years are in this phase, and the United Nations (UN) defines the period between 40 and 59 years. This is a stage in women’s lives marked by changes, starting with physiological and bodily changes linked to the aging process.

The climacteric is a midlife milestone that usually takes place between 40 and 65 years of age. This event has notorious repercussions in the lives of many women due to physical, affective, sexual, family and occupational changes. This can generate a physical, psycho-emotional and social overload which favors the emergence of processes that affect women’s health, making them more critical66. Campos CS, Santos AMPV, Martins MIM. Sintomas do climatério/menopausa em mulheres ribeirinhas na Amazônia. Rev Kairós Geront [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2022 May 07];24(1):531-46. Available from: http://doi.org/10.23925/2176-901X.2021v24i1p531-546
http://doi.org/10.23925/2176-901X.2021v2...
-77. Souza Júnior EV, Rosa RS, Cruz DP, Silva Filho BF, Santos BFM, Silva CS, et al. Função sexual e sua associação com a sexualidade e a qualidade de vida de mulheres idosas. Esc Anna Nery [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Apr 17];27:e20220227. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/2177-9465-EAN-2022-0227pt
https://doi.org/10.1590/2177-9465-EAN-20...
.

A key health indicator in monitoring the health conditions of the population not only used in developed countries in health research, but also in developing countries is self-rated health (SRH). Studies which have analyzed negative SRH of middle-aged women are scarce and mainly investigated those who were in the climacteric and menopause. Of the studies found, most were produced in developed countries88. Honjo K, Iso H, Ikeda A, Yamagishi K, Saito I, Kato T, et al. Cross-sectional association between employment status and self-rated health among middle-aged japanese women: the influence of socioeconomic conditions and work-life conflict. J Epidemiol [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2022 Jan 09];30(9):396-403. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.je20190005
https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.je20190005...
,99. Katainen RE, Engblom JR, Siirtola T, Erkkola R, Polo-Kantola P. The role of self-rated health in the association between chronic somatic diseases and climacteric-related symptoms. Climacteric [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2022 Jan 09];20(1):80-2. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2016.1264935
https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2016.12...
,1010. Benyamini Y, Boyko V, Blumstein T, Lerner-Geva L. Health, cultural and socioeconomic factors related to self-rated health of long-term jewish residents, immigrants, and arab women in midlife in Israel. Women Health [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2022 Jan 08];54(5):402-24. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2014.897679
https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2014.89...
,1111. Kaori H, Isso H, Ikeda A, Yamagishi K, Saito I, Tadahiro K, et al. Cross-Sectional Association Between Employment Status and Self-Rated Health Among Middle-Aged Japanese Women: The Influence of Socioeconomic Conditions and Work-Life Conflict. Journal of Epidemiology [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2021 Sep 20];30(9):396-403. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.JE20190005
https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.JE20190005...
,1212. Nymberg P, Stenman E, Calling S, Sundquist J, Sundquist K, Zöller B. Self-rated health and venous thromboembolism among middle-aged women: a population-based cohort study. J Thromb Thrombolysis [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2021 Sep 04];49(3):344-51. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11239-019-01995-7
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11239-019-01995...
. In contrast, studies that investigated middle-aged women from developing countries whose life and health contexts are different are scarce. There was one older investigation1313. Vladislavovna-Doubova S, Perez-Cuevas R, Reyes-Morales H. Autopercepción del estado de salud en climatéricas derechohabientes del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Salud Pública de México [Internet]. 2008 [cited 2021 Oct 07];50(5):390-6. Available from: https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-36342008000500012
https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?scr...
and one more recent1414. Silva VH, Rocha JSB, Caldeira AP. Fatores associados à autopercepção negativa de saúde em mulheres climatéricas. Ciênc Saúde Coletiva [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2021 Oct 18];23(5):1611-20. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235.17112016
https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235...
, so little is known about negative SRH of these women and the associated factors.

Existing studies show that advanced age, having a partner, not having a steady job, low income and education; smoking, sedentary lifestyle, medication use, depressive and anxiety symptoms, chronic diseases, and climacteric and/or menopause symptoms are associated with negative SRH in middle-aged women88. Honjo K, Iso H, Ikeda A, Yamagishi K, Saito I, Kato T, et al. Cross-sectional association between employment status and self-rated health among middle-aged japanese women: the influence of socioeconomic conditions and work-life conflict. J Epidemiol [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2022 Jan 09];30(9):396-403. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.je20190005
https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.je20190005...
,99. Katainen RE, Engblom JR, Siirtola T, Erkkola R, Polo-Kantola P. The role of self-rated health in the association between chronic somatic diseases and climacteric-related symptoms. Climacteric [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2022 Jan 09];20(1):80-2. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2016.1264935
https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2016.12...
,1010. Benyamini Y, Boyko V, Blumstein T, Lerner-Geva L. Health, cultural and socioeconomic factors related to self-rated health of long-term jewish residents, immigrants, and arab women in midlife in Israel. Women Health [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2022 Jan 08];54(5):402-24. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2014.897679
https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2014.89...
,1313. Vladislavovna-Doubova S, Perez-Cuevas R, Reyes-Morales H. Autopercepción del estado de salud en climatéricas derechohabientes del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Salud Pública de México [Internet]. 2008 [cited 2021 Oct 07];50(5):390-6. Available from: https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-36342008000500012
https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?scr...
,1414. Silva VH, Rocha JSB, Caldeira AP. Fatores associados à autopercepção negativa de saúde em mulheres climatéricas. Ciênc Saúde Coletiva [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2021 Oct 18];23(5):1611-20. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235.17112016
https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235...
. In addition, no study was carried out by nursing, and this group of women is often assisted by nurses, mainly in Primary Healthcare. Therefore, a better understanding of the self-rated health of middle-aged women in developing countries is necessary.

In view of the above, the aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with negative self-rated health in middle-aged women treated at a climacteric outpatient clinic.

METHOD

This is a cross-sectional and analytical study carried out at the climacteric outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study population consisted of all women treated at the climacteric outpatient clinic of the aforementioned hospital. The inclusion criterion was to be between 40 and 59 years old on the date of the interview; and having been attended at the outpatient clinic in the last five years, meaning from March 2015 to March 2020. A total of 455 women were seen at the outpatient clinic during this period. After consulting the medical records, 208 women were identified who were in the middle-aged range. After telephone contact, 69 telephone numbers were incorrect or did not exist, 16 women did not answer the telephone call after three contact attempts on different days and times, and seven refused to participate. Therefore, the final population was 116 women.

A semi-structured questionnaire was constructed by the authors containing sociodemographic data, health and psychosocial conditions, and a question to evaluate the women’s SRH.

Then, a pilot test was conducted with eight women with similar characteristics to those who were part of the study population. After instrument adjustments, data collection took place from October 2020 to January 2021 through telephone interviews.

The following variables were determined:

Dependent variable: The SRH measurement was obtained through the following question: “How do you rate your health in general?” The participants had one of five answers as an option: Very good, Good, Average, Bad and Very bad.

A Likert-type scale was adopted to score each response, and the values were from one to five points, as follows: Very good (5 points), Good (4 points), Average (3 points), Bad (2 points) or Very bad (1 point). The variable was classified into two levels: positive SRH (4 to 5 points) and negative SRH (1 to 3 points).

The independent variables were: sociodemographic (age, marital status, self-reported color or race, religion or cult, number of people living in the home, education, occupational status, individual income, family income and participation in social groups); and health conditions (practice of physical activities, sexually active life, smoker, self-reported morbidities, and regular medication use). The CAGE questionnaire (Cut down, Annoyed by criticisms, Guilty, Eye-opener) was applied to screen and detect alcoholism, in which the items are classified as: 0 (zero) for negative answers and 1 (one) for positive answers, and the result with a score of 2 (two) or more points is indicative of having alcohol problems1515. Masur J, Monteiro MG. Validation of the “Cage” alcoholism screening test in a brazilian psychiatric inpatient hospital setting. Braz J Med Biol Res [Internet]. 1983 [cited 2021 Oct 07];16(3):215-8. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6652293/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6652293/...
.

The assessment of climacteric symptoms was performed using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), which is comprised of 11 questions divided into 3 subscales; the answer to each question is classified on a severity scale ranging from zero (no symptoms) to four (very severe symptoms)1616. Heinemann K, Ruebig A, Potthoff P, Schneider H, Strelow F, Heinemann LAJ, et al. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS): a methodological review. Health Qual Life Outomes [Internet]. 2004 [cited 2021 Sep 04];2:45. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186%2F1477-7525-2-45
https://doi.org/10.1186%2F1477-7525-2-45...
.

Psychosocial conditions (leisure habits) were also evaluated, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was applied, which has nine items on a scale from 0 (never) to 3 (almost every day), with scores ranging from 0 to 27 points, in which the positive indicator of depression is estimated at a value greater than or equal to 101717. Kroenke K, Spitzer R, Williams J. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2001 [cited 2021 Oct 18];16(9):606-13. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001...
. Generalized anxiety symptoms were evaluated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7- (GAD-7) through seven items, arranged in a scale of four points corresponding to 0 (never) to 3 (almost every day), with scores ranging from 0 to 21 measuring the frequency of signs and symptoms of anxiety in the last two weeks1818. Sousa TV, Viveiros V, Chai MV, Vicente FL, Jesus G, Carnot MJ, et al. Reliability and validity of the portuguese version of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Scale. Health Qual Life Out [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2021 Oct 07];13:50. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186%2Fs12955-015-0244-2
https://doi.org/10.1186%2Fs12955-015-024...
.

The collected data were coded and double-entered into Excel 2013 electronic spreadsheets. The prevalence of negative SRH was estimated according to sociodemographic, health and psychosocial variables. The bivariate association between negative SRH and the independent variables was verified using the Pearson’s chi-squared test.

Multiple regression analysis was performed using the Poisson regression model with robust variance. Prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. All variables which presented p≤0.20 in the bivariate analysis were included for the multiple model. A significance level of 5% was adopted in the final model to determine the variables associated with negative SRH. Statistical analyzes were processed using Stata version 12.0 software program (Stata Corp., College Station, United States).

The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee and followed all the ethical precepts of Resolution No. 466/2012, including obtaining acceptance of the Informed Consent Form.

RESULTS

The prevalence analysis of SRH among middle-aged women in this study showed that the majority (54.3%) had negative SRH (Figure 1).

Figure 1 -
Prevalence of self-rated health of middle-aged women attended at the climacteric outpatient clinic of the Hospital Universitário Júlio Muller, according to health and psychosocial variables, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil (n=116).

The population was mostly composed of women aged between 50 and 59 years (73.3%) and who had 9 to 11 years of formal education (47.4%). Most are Catholic (56.0%), brown (56.0%), work (58.6%), have a partner (69.0%) and live with other people at home (89.7%). In addition, 69.0% and 37.9% have individual and family income of up to one minimum monthly salary, respectively (Table 1).

In the bivariate analysis between negative SRH and sociodemographic variables, only the age group variable (p= 0.04) showed a statistically significant association. It is observed that negative SRH is more prevalent (60%) in women whose age group is 50 to 59 years (Table 1).

Table 1 -
Distribution and prevalence of negative self-rated health according to sociodemographic variables of middle-aged women attended at the climacteric outpatient clinic of the Hospital Universitário Júlio Muller, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil (n=116).

Regarding health conditions, 39.7% of the women reported having two or more morbidities, 75.0% regularly use medication, 98.3% do not use illicit drugs, 70.7% have never smoked, 92.2% are not alcoholics and 56.9% do not practice physical activities. Most are sexually active (57.8%) and have severe menopausal symptoms (56.9%) (Table 2).

The morbidities (p=0.04) and menopausal symptoms (p< 0.001) variables showed a significant association in the bivariate analysis (p< 0.001) (Table 2).

Table 2 -
Distribution and prevalence of negative self-rated health according to health variables of middle-aged women attended at the climacteric outpatient clinic at the Hospital Universitário Júlio Muller, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil (n=116).

Regarding the psychosocial variables, most women (50.9%) have leisure habits and presented negative indicators of signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety (56.9% and 63.8%, respectively) (Table 3).

The prevalence of negative SRH was higher in the bivariate analysis among those who did not have leisure habits (58.0%) and a positive indicator of signs and symptoms of depression (58.0%) and anxiety (65.1%) (Table 3).

Table 3 -
Distribution and prevalence of negative self-rated health according to psychosocial variables of middle-aged women attended at the climacteric outpatient clinic at the Hospital Universitário Júlio Muller, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil (n=116).

All variables which presented p≤0.20 in the bivariate analysis (age group, occupational status, regular medication use, leisure habits and morbidity) were included in the final multiple model. The variable that was significant with the outcome was menopausal symptoms (p< 0.001), identified in the severe menopausal symptoms category (PR = 2.95; 95%CI 1.4-6.3) (Table 4).

Table 4 -
Multiple analysis of the association between self-rated health and sociodemographic and health variables of middle-aged women attended at the climacteric outpatient clinic of the Hospital Universitário Júlio Muller, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil (n=116).

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the few studies that investigated negative SRH in middle-aged women. Of these, one study99. Katainen RE, Engblom JR, Siirtola T, Erkkola R, Polo-Kantola P. The role of self-rated health in the association between chronic somatic diseases and climacteric-related symptoms. Climacteric [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2022 Jan 09];20(1):80-2. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2016.1264935
https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2016.12...
showed that almost half (49.9%) of middle-aged women had moderate and poor SRH. In another study, the authors investigated the SRH of women in four countries and found a higher prevalence of negative SRH among women living in Morocco (moderate 42% and poor 28%) and Lebanon (moderate 35% and poor 22%). The prevalence of positive SRH was predominant among those living in the United States (7% excellent, 18% very good and 60% good) and Spain (24% excellent, 36% very good and 30% good)1919. Parsons MA, Obermeyer CM. Women's midlife health across cultures: DAMES comparative analysis. Menopause [Internet]. 2007 [cited 2021 Sep 04];14(4):760-8. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e3180415e54
https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e318041...
.

A possible explanation for the higher prevalence of negative SRH among middle-aged women may be the physical, affective, sexual, family and occupational alterations/changes which occur along/during the aging process, with the climacteric being the main milestone2020. Hofmeier SM, Runfola CD, Sala M, Gagne DA, Brownley KA, Bulik CM. Body image, aging, and identity in women over 50: the Gender and Body Image (GABI) Study. J Women Aging [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2021 Sep 04];29(1):3-14. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080%2F08952841.2015.1065140
https://doi.org/10.1080%2F08952841.2015....
,1414. Silva VH, Rocha JSB, Caldeira AP. Fatores associados à autopercepção negativa de saúde em mulheres climatéricas. Ciênc Saúde Coletiva [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2021 Oct 18];23(5):1611-20. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235.17112016
https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235...
.

In fact, the physiological and bodily changes mainly resulting from estrogen deprivation can cause frequent hot flashes and night sweats, menstrual cycle irregularities, sleep problems, urogenital symptoms, tiredness, lack of energy, decreased libido and vaginal dryness66. Campos CS, Santos AMPV, Martins MIM. Sintomas do climatério/menopausa em mulheres ribeirinhas na Amazônia. Rev Kairós Geront [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2022 May 07];24(1):531-46. Available from: http://doi.org/10.23925/2176-901X.2021v24i1p531-546
http://doi.org/10.23925/2176-901X.2021v2...
,77. Souza Júnior EV, Rosa RS, Cruz DP, Silva Filho BF, Santos BFM, Silva CS, et al. Função sexual e sua associação com a sexualidade e a qualidade de vida de mulheres idosas. Esc Anna Nery [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Apr 17];27:e20220227. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/2177-9465-EAN-2022-0227pt
https://doi.org/10.1590/2177-9465-EAN-20...
. Furthermore, a woman’s body tends to change shape and appearance during this phase, with the appearance of wrinkles, skin dryness, hair graying and changes in weight and metabolism. Other characteristic alterations of middle age are the psycho-emotional changes. These women are more susceptible to depression and anxiety and have a higher prevalence of dementia and suicide risk22. Vikram K. Early marriage and health among women at midlife: evidence from India. J Marriage Fam [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2022 Jan 17];83(5):1480-501. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12793
https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12793...
,2121. Botello-Hermosa A, Casado-Mejia R. Fears and concerns related to menstruation: a qualitative study from a gender perspective. Texto Contexto Enferm [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2021 Nov 23];24(1):13-21. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-07072015000260014
https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-07072015000...
.

Another possible explanation for the higher prevalence of negative SRH found in this study is the socioeconomic factor. Studies conducted with middle-aged women show that those who evaluate their health negatively are those with low education and income levels, and absence of formal work1414. Silva VH, Rocha JSB, Caldeira AP. Fatores associados à autopercepção negativa de saúde em mulheres climatéricas. Ciênc Saúde Coletiva [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2021 Oct 18];23(5):1611-20. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235.17112016
https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235...
,2121. Botello-Hermosa A, Casado-Mejia R. Fears and concerns related to menstruation: a qualitative study from a gender perspective. Texto Contexto Enferm [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2021 Nov 23];24(1):13-21. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-07072015000260014
https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-07072015000...
.

Studies show that women begin to feel discriminated against as they age, and disregarded by a society that values youth and appearance. In addition, they suffer more from discrimination, domestic violence and have greater difficulties in accessing health actions than men33. Jenny H, Chungkham HS, Hyde M, Zaninotto P, Alexanderson K, Stenholm S, et al. Socioeconomic differences in healthy and disease-free life expectancy between ages 50 and 75: a multi-cohort study. Eur J Public Health [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2022 Jan 09];29(2):267-72. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cky215
https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cky215...
,2020. Hofmeier SM, Runfola CD, Sala M, Gagne DA, Brownley KA, Bulik CM. Body image, aging, and identity in women over 50: the Gender and Body Image (GABI) Study. J Women Aging [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2021 Sep 04];29(1):3-14. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080%2F08952841.2015.1065140
https://doi.org/10.1080%2F08952841.2015....
.

Still regarding men, studies show that women have worse self-rated health99. Katainen RE, Engblom JR, Siirtola T, Erkkola R, Polo-Kantola P. The role of self-rated health in the association between chronic somatic diseases and climacteric-related symptoms. Climacteric [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2022 Jan 09];20(1):80-2. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2016.1264935
https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2016.12...
compared to men, and this has been explained by the fact that women are more physically, psychologically and socially vulnerable2222. Pinto JM, Fernandes APG, Carvalho MT, Graminha CV, Figueiredo ACA, Walsh IAP. Características socioeconômicas, autoavaliação de saúde e qualidade de vida em mulheres. REFACS [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2021 Oct 07];8(2):210. Available from: https://doi.org/10.18554/refacs.v8i2.4526
https://doi.org/10.18554/refacs.v8i2.452...
. They are more likely to have chronic health conditions, disabilities, cognitive decline and low self-esteem. Women are more subject to social, political and economic inequality, generally being those with the lowest income and education2222. Pinto JM, Fernandes APG, Carvalho MT, Graminha CV, Figueiredo ACA, Walsh IAP. Características socioeconômicas, autoavaliação de saúde e qualidade de vida em mulheres. REFACS [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2021 Oct 07];8(2):210. Available from: https://doi.org/10.18554/refacs.v8i2.4526
https://doi.org/10.18554/refacs.v8i2.452...
.

The association found in this study between negative SRH and severe menopausal symptoms was not found in similar studies99. Katainen RE, Engblom JR, Siirtola T, Erkkola R, Polo-Kantola P. The role of self-rated health in the association between chronic somatic diseases and climacteric-related symptoms. Climacteric [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2022 Jan 09];20(1):80-2. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2016.1264935
https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2016.12...
,1313. Vladislavovna-Doubova S, Perez-Cuevas R, Reyes-Morales H. Autopercepción del estado de salud en climatéricas derechohabientes del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Salud Pública de México [Internet]. 2008 [cited 2021 Oct 07];50(5):390-6. Available from: https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-36342008000500012
https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?scr...
,2222. Pinto JM, Fernandes APG, Carvalho MT, Graminha CV, Figueiredo ACA, Walsh IAP. Características socioeconômicas, autoavaliação de saúde e qualidade de vida em mulheres. REFACS [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2021 Oct 07];8(2):210. Available from: https://doi.org/10.18554/refacs.v8i2.4526
https://doi.org/10.18554/refacs.v8i2.452...
. A possible explanation for this association is that the physical symptoms of the climacteric are more severe in some women. Women usually have hot flashes, sweating, sleep and bladder problems, vaginal dryness, muscle and joint pain2323. Sánchez IFC, Figueroa MDPM, Suárez DAML, Baylon AAB, Armas MLM. Síntomas climatéricos y calidad de vida mediante índice de Kupperman-Blatt y escala de Cervantes. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2021 Nov 23];38(2):e1550. Available from: http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-21252022000200004
http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=s...
,77. Souza Júnior EV, Rosa RS, Cruz DP, Silva Filho BF, Santos BFM, Silva CS, et al. Função sexual e sua associação com a sexualidade e a qualidade de vida de mulheres idosas. Esc Anna Nery [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Apr 17];27:e20220227. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/2177-9465-EAN-2022-0227pt
https://doi.org/10.1590/2177-9465-EAN-20...
. Such symptoms cause great discomfort, which can have negative effects on the psychological state of these women, such as a depressed state of mind, irritability, anxiety, physical and mental exhaustion2323. Sánchez IFC, Figueroa MDPM, Suárez DAML, Baylon AAB, Armas MLM. Síntomas climatéricos y calidad de vida mediante índice de Kupperman-Blatt y escala de Cervantes. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2021 Nov 23];38(2):e1550. Available from: http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-21252022000200004
http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=s...
,2121. Botello-Hermosa A, Casado-Mejia R. Fears and concerns related to menstruation: a qualitative study from a gender perspective. Texto Contexto Enferm [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2021 Nov 23];24(1):13-21. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-07072015000260014
https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-07072015000...
. This condition often determines a negative impact on the SRH of middle-aged women and on their quality of life2121. Botello-Hermosa A, Casado-Mejia R. Fears and concerns related to menstruation: a qualitative study from a gender perspective. Texto Contexto Enferm [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2021 Nov 23];24(1):13-21. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-07072015000260014
https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-07072015000...
,2424. Moura CC, Nogueira DA, Chaves ECL, Lunes DH, Corrêa HP, Chianca TCM. Physical and emotional factors associated with the severity of chronic back pain in adults: a cross-sectional study. Texto Contexto Enferm [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2021 Nov 23];31:e20200525. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-265X-TCE-2020-0525
https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-265X-TCE-20...
.

The higher prevalence of negative SRH in the women studied and the associated factor found may be pointing to the current health status of these women and the impact that this may have on their health. As this indicator is a strong predictor of disease and mortality and reflects people’s attitudes and beliefs about the biological, psychological and social dimensions of health2525. Rocca P, Beckman A, Hansson EE, Ohlsson H. Is the association between physical activity and healthcare utilization affected by self-rated health and socio-economic factors? BMC Public Health [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2021 Oct 07];15:737. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-2079-5
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-2079-...
, the impact on these women’s health is significant and needs attention from professionals and health services.

A possible limitation of this study is that data collection was performed over the telephone, which despite being a valid and cost-effective technique, may influence the participants’ responses. Although the main research question required an objective answer, there is subjectivity involved as it is a perception. A telephone interview restricts the opportunity for a more personalized response, in which doubts can be clarified and consequently obtain better quality data2626. Gibson DG, Pereira A, Farrenkopf BA, Labrique AB, Pariyo GW, Hyder AA. Mobile phone surveys for collecting population-level estimates in low- and middle-income countries: a literature review. J Med Internet Res [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2021 Oct 07];19(5):e139. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7428
https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7428...
.

CONCLUSION

This research showed that the majority of middle-aged women studied had negative AAS, which is probably due to the various physical and psychosocial aspects that permeate these women's lives. The factor associated with negative AAS was severe climacteric symptoms, which usually impact women's health perception due to their discomfort. These results provide subsidies for a better understanding of women in this age group and the aspects that interfere with their health. And, above all, they point to the need for health professionals to propose strategies to better welcome and assist women in this phase of life.

As it is the first study carried out by nursing on the SRH of middle-aged women, its results may support planning actions in this area and thus promote the health of women in this life period. In addition, the findings may help teaching and research in the mid-northern region of Mato Grosso, given that this information may guide practices articulated by nurses and the entire multidisciplinary team in health services. Moreover, it might mainly help to create new spaces and/or health services, as well as climacteric outpatient clinics with the purpose of assisting and better welcoming women in this phase of life.

The study also creates perspectives for further research on the factors associated with negative SRH in middle-aged women, and more qualitative research, so that they can bring more subjective information about this period and the discomforts they face which compromise their health, well-being and quality of life.

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NOTES

  • ORIGIN OF THE ARTICLE

    Extracted from the dissertation - Autoavaliação da Saúde de Mulheres de Meia Idade, presented to the Post-graduate Program in Nursing, of the Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, in 2022.
  • ETHICS COMMITTEE IN RESEARCH

    Approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital Universitário Júlio Miller, opinion no. 4.314.467/2021, Certificate of Presentation for Ethical Appreciation no. 27642619300005541.

Edited by

EDITORS

Associated Editors: Natália Gonçalves, Ana Izabel Jatobá de Souza. Editor-in-chief: Elisiane Lorenzini.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    21 Aug 2023
  • Date of issue
    2023

History

  • Received
    09 Nov 2022
  • Accepted
    16 May 2023
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