Determinants of the intention to adopt hormone replacement therapy among premenopausal women

To identify the psychosocial factors that influence the intention to adopt hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at menopause.

Random Digit Dialing was used to recruit 644 premenopausal non-hysterectomized women aged 45-54. Data were collected using a telephone questionnaire previously developed according to the theory of planned behaviour. Variables measured were: intention to adopt HRT (INT); attitude towards HRT (Aact); perceived social norm (SN); perceived behavioural control (PBC); and personal normative belief (PNB). Socio-demographic data were also obtained.

Stepwise multiple regression of INT on the theoretical variables yielded an R(2) of 0.70. The determinants were Aact (beta=0.39, P<0.001), PNB (beta=0.25, P<0.001), PBC (beta=0.23, P<0.001) and SN (beta=0.12, P<0.001). Women with a strong intention to adopt HRT represented 25% of the sample. These women were more likely to believe that adopting HRT would have the following positive consequences: an improvement in general well-being, the prevention of health problems, an improvement in interpersonal relationships, an increase in productivity, the regulation of mood swings and a reduction of hot flashes. They were also more likely to believe in the following negative consequences: side-effects, an increased risk of cancer, the likelihood of weight gain, and interference in the natural course of menopause (all at P<0.001).

Actions that target behaviourial beliefs regarding HRT and perceived barriers to its adoption are most likely to influence adoption of HRT.