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Published on: August 13, 2019
Racial differences in hormone replacement therapy prescriptions
J V Marsh1, K M Brett, L C Miller
1Division of Epidemiology, National Center for Health Statistics/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, Maryland, USA. jmarsh@jhsph.edu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|June 11, 1999
Summary
Black and white women aged 45-64 have similar rates of ambulatory care visits, but white women are twice as likely to receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescriptions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Health Disparities
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment for menopausal symptoms.
- Understanding racial disparities in HRT utilization is crucial for equitable healthcare.
- Previous studies have suggested differences in HRT use between racial groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate racial disparities in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescription rates.
- To analyze the relative risks and rates of HRT prescriptions for Black and White women.
- To identify factors influencing these racial differences in HRT use.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys (1993-1995).
- Inclusion of 25,203 visits by Black and White women aged 45-64.
- Logistic regression used to control for confounders and estimate the effect of race on HRT prescription.
Main Results:
- White women had a 9.7% HRT prescription rate, while Black women had a 4.5% rate.
- Racial disparity in HRT prescriptions persisted after controlling for physician and visit characteristics (OR 2.1).
- Ambulatory care visit rates were similar, but HRT prescription rates were double for white women.
Conclusions:
- Significant racial differences in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use exist between Black and White women.
- These disparities persist even after accounting for physician and visit-related factors.
- Further research is needed to understand the underlying causes of these inequities in HRT access and utilization.
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