Holistic health care in the quality of life (QoL) in the menopause

Introduction: Menopausal women often experience a multifaceted array of symptoms that significantly impact their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. A holistic approach to health care and integrative therapies, can be employed either independently or in conjunction with hormonal treatment. This approach seeks to address the comprehensive concept of health, aiming to enhance the quality of life (QoL) for women during the climacteric period. Methods: This study employed qualitative-quantitative methods, prospective cohort design. Participants were recruited from the Basic Health Unit of Votorantim/SP, Brazil. Inclusion criteria comprised menopausal women without hormone therapy (HT) and who reported bothersome climacteric symptoms. Exclusion criteria included significant depressive disorders. Participants were assessed using instruments to evaluate climacteric symptoms (Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index - IK), self-esteem (UNIFESP Self-Esteem Scale), and QoL (WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire). Statistical analysis used Wilcoxon test, significance set at p < 0.05. Qualitative data were collected through two focus groups (initial and final) and six monthly intervention sessions. Discourse analysis was employed to interpret qualitative findings, identifying thematic categories based on participants' narratives. Results: 9 menopausal women (initial mean IK score of 25.33, which decreased to 16.67 post-intervention, p < 0.001). A marked improvement in QoL was also observed (p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis revealed five thematic categories derived from participants' discourses: physical complaints, behavioral complaints, and the need for a holistic approach to achieve improvement, Positive values associated with menopause, and Values related to aspirations during this life phase. Conclusion: The qualitative findings highlight the intricate nature of climacteric syndrome and its profound effects on women's QoL, self-esteem, and overall health. A holistic approach, integrating physical, emotional, and psychological support, appears to offer significant benefits in mitigating these challenges and improving the well-being of menopausal women. These results underscore the importance of comprehensive, patient-centered care in addressing the multifaceted needs of this population.