Contributions of support networks to sexual quality of life during climacteric: a scoping review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36517/2175-6783.20262796446Keywords:
Climacteric; Quality of Life; Sexual Health; ReviewAbstract
Objective: to map the contributions of support networks to the quality of sexual life during the climacteric. Methods: a scoping review was conducted across seven databases, supplemented by gray literature from Google Scholar, the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, and the Catalog of Theses and Dissertations, with no time limit. Results: of the 2,507 identified studies, eight met the eligibility criteria. Informal support networks contributed through access to information, healthy habits, and symptom management; however, they presented weaknesses regarding effective communication, delayed diagnoses, and medicalized practices. Formal support networks fostered emotional well-being, sexual pleasure, and positive attitudes toward sexuality, yet showed limitations such as social prejudices, inadequate support, and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: the evidence shows that support networks contribute to the quality of sexual life during the climacteric by assisting in coping with the changes of this period and the experience of sexuality, although causality cannot be established. Contributions to practice: the findings of this review reinforce the importance of multiprofessional and intersectoral action in creating and maintaining effective support networks that welcome and guide women during the climacteric.
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