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Age differences in attitudes toward menopause and estrogen replacement therapy
P J Wagner1, S Kuhn, L J Petry
1Department of Family Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912, USA.
Women & Health
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Mid-aged women have more positive views on menopause and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) than college-aged women, but education is needed for all ages regarding ERT. Women primarily see ERT for symptom relief, not long-term prevention.
Area of Science:
- Women's Health
- Endocrinology
- Psychology
Background:
- Menopause is a natural biological transition.
- Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is a medical treatment option for menopausal symptoms.
- Attitudes towards menopause and ERT can influence treatment decisions and adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate attitude scales for menopause and ERT.
- To compare attitudes between college-aged and mid-aged women.
- To identify educational needs regarding ERT.
Main Methods:
- Development and testing of attitude scales.
- Factor analysis of scale data.
- Comparison of attitude scores between age groups (N=116 college-aged, N=136 mid-aged women).
Main Results:
- Mid-aged women perceived menopause more favorably than college-aged women.
- Mid-aged women held more positive attitudes towards ERT, acknowledging side effects.
- Limited variability in ERT attitudes suggests a need for broader education across age groups.
Conclusions:
- Women's understanding of ERT often focuses on immediate symptom relief rather than long-term disease prevention.
- Educational interventions are necessary to align patient perceptions with current medical recommendations for ERT.
- Attitude scales provide valuable insights into women's perspectives on menopause and hormone therapy.