[The climacteric and biomedicine: reflections from nursing and the sociology of health and illness disciplines].
This article critically examines the biomedical model and how it has influenced the social construction of the meaning of the menopause. This model has been criticized as reductionist since it understands people as entities made of several parts that can be studied separately. Contrarily for nursing, people are formed by several parts in direct relation with the environment and themselves. Therefore, it is not posible to understand people's reality without considering social factors. The menopause has been described in various biomedical texts as a phenomenon similar to a disease, with severe symptoms and negative connotations. However the experiences and meanings that women ascribe to this stage of their life are varied and not always negative. In order to offer appropriate care, it is important for nursing to think about the role of social interaction in constructing the meaning individuals attribute to phenomena.
Escuela Universitaria de enfermeria del Mar C/Dr. Aiguader, 80, 08005 Barcelona. jleyva@parcdesalutmar.cat
Juan Manuel
JM
Leyva-Moral
D002979:Climacteric; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009729:Nursing; D012961:Sociology