Comocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en el climaterio y menopausia en mujeres de consulta externa del Dispensario Central del IESS. Cuenca. 2014.

Abstract

Objectives.To identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices during the climacteric and menopause of the patients treated in the service of Gynecology of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS) central dispensary. Methodology.This is a descriptive study in patients who consultedfor suggestive symptoms of climacteric and menopause in the central dispensary between August and October of 2014. Results. The most frequent presentation of menopause was amongst 40 and 49 (44 ± 3.9) years. Half of the patients have a satisfactory knowledge about climacteric and menopause. Only 19.5% of the patients participate in forums, workshops and educational programs. The majority of patients indicate notices feeling bad with the presented symptoms. 7% of them received hormone treatment. Conclusions. The highest percentage of women menarche was between 10 and 14 years, the age of the menopause was frequently between 40 and 49 years. The patients have an average level of knowledge about the climacteric and menopause and it is related to the instruction level. The most common source of information is the media. Most of the patients have a high level of knowledge regarding the negative effects of the menopause referring changes in the sex life. Sympathetic symptoms are the most predominant followed by the irregularmenstrual period. In addition, almost one-third of patients have changes in mood and anxiety. Most of the women studied have not a satisfactory attitude regarding the symptoms, which motivates them to attend the medical consultation.