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| Author | Ramona Sultana |
| Abstract | The level of knowledge regarding potential benefits and drawbacks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by women is of utmost importance for the prevalence of HRT. This study explores women's knowledge of and their attitudes towards HRT and also whether or not to take it for its long-term benefit of menopausal-related diseases. This study also assessed women's understanding of the risks and benefits associated with HRT and women's source of information on HRT. Standardized open-ended questions were the chosen research tool for this research project. Probing questions were asked at appropriate times. A convenient sample of 12 participants were chosen out of the women who had had bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy between January 2000 to December 2003 by one gynaecology consultant. Two participants were chosen for the pilot study and the data obtained was not included in the main study. Ten participants were interviewed and the findings showed participants had mixed feelings on HRT and also different levels of knowledge regarding this therapy. All 10 participants have undergone bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The average age of the participants was 45.3years. The mean duration of use of HRT in this study was 3.2 years. One of the participants had stopped HRT while the other nine participants were compliant. The main reasons for starting HRT were (1) relief of menopausal symptoms (n=6), (2) management of osteoporosis (n=2) and, (3) premature menopause (n=2). Participants knowledge on the benefits of HRT varied, with the majority of participants knowing the beneficial effect on hot flushes (n=10) and osteoporosis (n=7). The majority of participants also showed their concern on the risks of HRT, particularly breast cancer (n=9). There is a lack of knowledge on the fact that HRT may increase the risk of thromboembolism with only one participant indicating this as a risk. Breast cancer is the issue that worries most of the participants and the majority of participants (n=8) stated that they have a mammogram every 18 months to 2 years as a preventative measure. The medical professionals were mentioned as the primary sources of information for women regarding HRT, with 6 women indicating the consultant as their source and 5 women indicating their General Practitioner also as a source. None of the participants indicated the nurse as a source of information. The media is also an important source of information on HRT with 7 participants indicating it as their source of information. |
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