Diabetes mellitus in climacteric: prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics

Abstract

Introduction: The changes caused by menopause and the duration of this period in women's lives are of great scientific relevance, and achieving a better understanding of diseases such as diabetes prevalent in the climacteric and the risk factors associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases is essential. Objective:To determine the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in climacteric women, correlating socioeconomic and demographic variables.Method: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, performed in 14 Family Health Units (USF) in the urban area of the municipality of Cajazeiras/Paraíba, Brazil, with 396 women. Data were collected in interviews using a structured questionnaire, and the variables were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results:There was prevalence of DM in 11.6% (n = 396) of the climacteric women, who had DM as a single disease or associated with other diseases. Regarding the sociodemographic profiles and lifestyles of the diabetic women, it became evident that the 46 participants were on average 52.1 years old; had 5.2 years of formal education and per capita income of 0.7 minimum wage; 43.5% were in paid employment; 65.2% had a fixed partner; 23.9% reported being smokers; 15.2% reported use of alcohol; 73.9% said they were sedentary and 76.1% were overweight/obese.