Demands of women in the climaterium in the Family Health Strategy: descriptive study

Abstract

Aim: to know the main demands of women in the climaterium, attended in the Primary Health care, from the reports of health professionals. Method: a descriptive research with a qualitative approach developed in a Family Health Strategy unit in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Through a semi-structured interview script, 17 health professionals were interviewed among physicians and nurses, finishing the collection using the technique of sampling by theoretical saturation. The interviews were treated through analysis of thematic-categorial content. Results: the demands were: marital problems, loss of libido, dyspareunia, dryness, and vaginal atrophy. Conclusion: it is recommended to update the professionals regarding the concepts and aspects related to the climacteric, aiming that their actions attend these women integrally. Practical implications: health care should consider issues of sexuality in order to contribute to the sexual health of women in the climacteric phase.