Impact of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on climacteric women’s health: Websurvey

• Published in: Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society Vol. 26; no. 6; pp. 594 - 600
• Main Authors: Pezzali, L. G., Ferreira, F. V., Wender, M. C. O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boca Raton Taylor & Francis Ltd 01-12-2023
• Subjects: Coronaviruses; Gynecology; Mental health; Pandemics; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
• ISSN: 1369-7137; 1473-0804
• DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2246877

ObjectiveThe menopausal transition is an important milestone in female reproductive life. Many studies have been conducted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, but few of them focus on the climacteric population. This study aimed to investigate changes in the health and health care of climacteric women aged 40–70 years residing in Brazil during the pandemic period.MethodA cross-sectional study was carried out using an electronic form with questions related to sociodemographic, clinical and gynecological data, treatments, access to health services and changes in behavior.ResultsA total of 419 women answered the questionnaire. Sixty percent reported weight gain and 50.8% reported reduced physical activity practice. More than 80% reported worsening mental health and 66.1% had a change in their sleep pattern. More than half reported having difficulty accessing gynecological consultations and routine examinations. Women living in capital cities reported a greater change in alcohol consumption (p = 0.002). Income change was associated with a higher prevalence of weight gain (p = 0.033) and changes in sleep quality (p = 0.018).ConclusionWe observed an important reduction in the health care of climacteric women during the pandemic period, such as a decrease in medical consultations and preventive examinations, worsening of life habits and deterioration in mental health.