Experiencias sobre la salud menstrual en personas del espectro autista de un centro de acompañamiento para personas neurodivergentes de la Región Metropolitana.
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Date
2025
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Publisher
Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
Introducción: El autismo muestra un aumento en la prevalencia, la evidencia de eventos como la menstruación en este grupo de personas no se encuentra suficientemente documentada, aunque atraviesan los mismos hitos del desarrollo de sus pares neurotípicas. Objetivo: Explorar la experiencia de la salud menstrual en personas diagnosticadas con espectro autista participantes de un centro de acompañamiento para personas neurodivergentes de la Región Metropolitana, durante el año 2025. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo, exploratorio, de carácter fenomenológico. Se realizaron 13 entrevistas semiestructuradas, por saturación de discurso. Se exploraron tres categorías preliminares: vivencia de la menstruación, conocimiento y estrategias de afrontamiento, surgiendo la atención en salud. Se utilizó el software Atlas Ti versión 25. Se aplicó análisis de contenido. Aprobado por dos comités de ética. Resultados: Quienes participaron tenían una edad entre los 21 y 45 años. Se observa una interacción de la menstruación con síntomas sensoriales y funciones ejecutivas, con una experiencia negativa para un grupo importante de ellas. Existe una percepción de educación menstrual deficiente, dificultades para encontrar un producto de gestión menstrual apropiado e invalidación de síntomas como el dolor por parte de los profesionales de salud a los que acceden. Conclusión: La experiencia menstrual en personas autistas es multidimensional. Se identifican brechas en la educación menstrual que afectan la comprensión y manejo del ciclo. Se necesita abordar la salud menstrual desde diversas aristas destacando la integralidad y particularidad que deben considerar quienes otorgan atención en salud.
Introduction: Autism shows an increase in prevalence, evidence of events such as menstruation in this group of people is not sufficiently documented, although they go through the same developmental milestones as their neurotypical peers. Objective: To explore the experience of menstrual health in people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder participating in a support center for neurodivergent people in the Metropolitan Region, during the year 2025. Methodology: Qualitative, exploratory, phenomenological study. 13 semi-structured interviews were conducted by discourse saturation. Three preliminary categories were explored: experience of menstruation, knowledge and coping strategies, emerging health care. Atlas Ti version 25 software was used. Content analysis was applied. Approved by two ethics committees. Results: Those who participated were between 21 and 45 years old. An interaction of menstruation with sensory symptoms and executive functions is observed, with a negative experience for a significant group of them. There is a perception of poor menstrual education, difficulty finding an appropriate menstrual management product, and invalidation of symptoms such as pain by the healthcare professionals they access. Conclusion: The menstrual experience in autistic individuals is multidimensional. Gaps in menstrual education have been identified that affect the understanding and management of the cycle. Menstrual health needs to be addressed from various perspectives, highlighting the comprehensiveness and specificity that healthcare providers must consider.
Introduction: Autism shows an increase in prevalence, evidence of events such as menstruation in this group of people is not sufficiently documented, although they go through the same developmental milestones as their neurotypical peers. Objective: To explore the experience of menstrual health in people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder participating in a support center for neurodivergent people in the Metropolitan Region, during the year 2025. Methodology: Qualitative, exploratory, phenomenological study. 13 semi-structured interviews were conducted by discourse saturation. Three preliminary categories were explored: experience of menstruation, knowledge and coping strategies, emerging health care. Atlas Ti version 25 software was used. Content analysis was applied. Approved by two ethics committees. Results: Those who participated were between 21 and 45 years old. An interaction of menstruation with sensory symptoms and executive functions is observed, with a negative experience for a significant group of them. There is a perception of poor menstrual education, difficulty finding an appropriate menstrual management product, and invalidation of symptoms such as pain by the healthcare professionals they access. Conclusion: The menstrual experience in autistic individuals is multidimensional. Gaps in menstrual education have been identified that affect the understanding and management of the cycle. Menstrual health needs to be addressed from various perspectives, highlighting the comprehensiveness and specificity that healthcare providers must consider.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al grado de Magíster en Salud Sexual y Reproductiva.
Keywords
Autismo, Menstruación, Salud sexual