Abstract
Objective
To analyze gender conditions present in middle-aged women’s health demands from their daily lives.
Methods
This is a study with a qualitative approach of the Convergent Care Research type. The survey was conducted with two groups of participants: middle-aged women and health professionals. In total, 13 middle-aged women and 18 health professionals participated. The production of empirical material took place through reflection workshops and interviews in May and June 2017. Data analysis was performed using the discourse analysis technique.
Results
The results formed two empirical categories in which the position of the two groups of participants converge: Gender attributes defining emotional demands in middle age; The body as an instrument of doing and demanding care in middle age. The reported life experiences are marked by housework and family care and express emotional and physical burdens accumulated over the years. Health professionals reveal sensitive listening to women’s demands; however, structural issues related to the organization of care hinder more resolving practices.
Conclusion
The results revealed that the daily life of middle-aged women defines demands for care linked to gender attributes, incorporated into daily life in a naturalized way. Without shared responsibilities in the family environment, there is a physical and emotional burden that prompts care. The health services recognize this, but there are only punctual actions for demands of a biological order and no systematic proposal for working with women that open paths to empowerment.
Middle aged; Women’s health; Gender and health; Health services needs and demand; Integrality in health