Nursing Interventions to Enhance Positive Mental Health and Self Care in Women During the Climacteric

Self-Care and Positive Mental Health During the Climacteric Stage: Conceptual Framework and Social Relevance

Self-care is a fundamental human function, particularly vital during the climacteric stage, when women experience significant physical, emotional, and social changes. The conceptual foundation of this project is Dorothea Orem's General Theory of Self-Care Deficit, which encompasses both the individual's capacity for self-care and their ability to care for others. Orem defines self-care as "the personal actions undertaken and performed by each individual to maintain life, health, and well-being, and to consistently respond to their health needs."

Despite the importance of this life stage, the scientific literature indicates that most interventions targeting health issues in women during the climacteric have been non-holistic, often addressing physical and emotional aspects in isolation. There is a notable lack of empirical evidence supporting interventions that simultaneously promote self-care and positive mental health (PMH) in menopausal women. Existing studies tend to focus on problem-solving strategies, lifestyle modifications, and empowerment programs aimed at improving quality of life. However, no specific programs have been identified that address PMH in this population.

Both PMH and self-care capacity are essential constructs for women adapting to the multifaceted changes of the climacteric. Enhancing these dimensions may contribute significantly to health promotion during this extended phase of the female life cycle, which is often marked by conditions that negatively impact quality of life. Research suggests that psychosocial factors such as optimism, emotional stability, and self-esteem are positively associated with well-being and resilience. Moreover, several studies support a bidirectional relationship between self-care and PMH, indicating that improvements in one domain can reinforce the other. A notable example is the PiPsE program, which aims to enhance PMH in individuals with chronic illnesses.

The outcomes of this project are expected to advance the field of women's health by deepening our understanding of the needs of women during the menopausal transition, particularly in relation to PMH and self-care. These findings may inform the development of tailored intervention programs that support women's health across all stages of menopause, aligning with broader health promotion and disease prevention policies.