Limitations in functioning in climacteric syndrome: a systematic literature review using the ICF

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Gerontology
• Public Health

Background:

• This study is a preparatory step towards developing an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for climacteric syndrome.
• It aims to identify functioning limitations in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women from existing scientific literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and identify perimenopausal and postmenopausal functioning limitations.
• To link identified concepts to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, and CINAHL (2010-2020).
• Identification and linking of meaningful concepts to ICF categories using standardized rules.

Main Results:

• 48 studies met inclusion criteria, yielding 1836 concepts linked to 158 ICF categories.
• The majority of concepts mapped to the ICF 'Body Functions' chapter.
• Emotional, sleep, energy, thermoregulatory, and pain functions were reported in over 80% of publications.

Conclusions:

• Climacteric syndrome impacts all four ICF components, but research predominantly covers body functions.
• Body structures, activities, participation, and environmental factors are less frequently studied.
• The ICF framework effectively describes the multifaceted nature of climacteric syndrome.