Integrative health care model for climacteric stage women: design of the intervention

Abstract

BackgroundClimacteric stage women experience significant biological, psychological and social changes. With demographic changes being observed in the growing number of climacteric stage women in Mexico, it is important to improve their knowledge about the climacteric stage and its potential associated problems, encourage their participation in screening programs, and promote the acquisition of healthy lifestyles.At Mexican health care institutions the predominant health care model for climacteric stage women has a biomedical perspective. Medical doctors provide mostly curative services and have limited support from other health professionals. This study aims to design an integrative health care model (IHCM: bio-psycho-social, multidisciplinary and women-centered) applicable in primary care services aimed at climacteric stage women.Methods/DesignWe present the design, inclusion criteria and detailed description of an IHCM. The IHCM consists of collaborative and coordinated provision of services by a health team, which is involves a family doctor, nurse, psychologist, and the woman herself. The health team promotes the empowerment of women through individual and group counseling on the climacteric stage and health related self-care. The intervention lasts three months followed by a three-month follow-up period to evaluate the effectiveness of the model. The effectiveness of the model will be evaluated through the following aspects: health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), empowerment, self-efficacy and knowledge regarding the climacteric stage and health-related self-care activities, use of screening services, and improvement in lifestyles (regular leisure time physical activity and healthy diet).DiscussionParticipation in preventive activities should be encouraged among women in Mexico. Designing and evaluating the effectiveness of an integrative health care model for women at the climacteric stage, based on the empowerment approach and focus on health-related self-care to improve their HR-QoL is pertinent for current health conditions of this age group.Trial registrationThe study is registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01272115).

Prevalence of somatic and urogenital symptoms as well as psychological health in women aged 45 to 55 attending primary health care: a cross-sectional study

“…Many of these issues involve the normal changes of this phase of life, but cause much concern and increased perception of illness for some women [ 24 ]. Prevention based on a holistic approach leads to better care for women with these symptoms [ 25 , 26 ].…”

Adaptación y validación de escalas de autoeficacia y empoderamiento dirigidas a mujeres mexicanas en etapa de climaterio

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“…19 En cuanto a la determinación del tamaño de muestra para la validación de las escalas, se siguió el principio de la razón de participante por pregunta 20 no menor a 10:1. Las dos escalas tienen 29 preguntas, por lo cual se estimó que el tamaño de muestra debería ser no menor a 290 mujeres.…”

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“…A menopausa ocorre dentro do contexto do climatério, entre os 48 e 50 anos de idade e corresponde ao último ciclo menstrual, que só pode ser assim definida, passados 12 meses sem outro ciclo. É reportado como "síndrome", pois acomete a saúde da mulher em sua totalidade e em longo prazo, ocasionando uma série de sintomas 6,7 .…”