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Women's knowledge of hormone therapy.
H Coo1, K S O'Connor, D Hunter
1Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Abramsky Hall, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont., Canada K7L 3N6. cooh@post.queensu.ca
Patient Education and Counseling
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Women have limited knowledge regarding hormone therapy (HT) benefits and risks. Many women lack understanding of HT
Area of Science:
- Women's Health
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hormone therapy (HT) is a common treatment for menopausal symptoms.
- Informed decision-making regarding HT requires adequate patient knowledge of its benefits and risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess women's knowledge of hormone therapy (HT).
- To identify specific areas of misunderstanding regarding HT benefits, risks, and side effects.
Main Methods:
- Telephone interviews were conducted with 207 women.
- A 24-question survey assessed knowledge of HT benefits, risks, and side effects.
Main Results:
- The median knowledge score was 54.2%.
- While most women knew HT may decrease osteoporosis risk, half were unaware of the 10-year duration for maximum bone protection.
- Many women misunderstood the risks of breast cancer and overestimated benefits for hip fracture reduction.
Conclusions:
- Women demonstrate significant gaps in knowledge about hormone therapy.
- Insufficient knowledge may impede informed decision-making about HT.
- Physicians need to ensure patients can participate in informed choices regarding HT.