Barriers to hormonal replacement therapy
Item Description
Linked Agent
Author: Dean, Janice
Thesis advisor: Keller, Mary L.
Committee member: Geisel, Janet
Committee member: Agostini, Jolynn
Degree granting institution: Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Degree name: Master of Science in Nursing
Date Created
1999
Date Issued
2022
Abstract
The American College of Obstetricians recommends that all postmenopausal women consider Hormonal Replacement Therapy (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1992). Although HRT has clearly been shown to have life-prolonging benefits, women remain skeptical (Salamone, Pressma, Seeley & Cauley, 1996) and treatment remains widely underutilized by the menopausal population (Rabin, 1998).
The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers that may influence a woman’s decision regarding HRT. By studying these barriers the nurse practitioner will have a better understanding of a women’s existing concerns, and can better assist her in making an informed decision.
A non-experimental descriptive study was conducted utilizing a questionnaire consisting of 19 questions. A convenience sample of 78 menopausal women were recruited from the northwestern region of Pennsylvania. Analysis consisted of compilation of total percentages from all respondents and comparison was made between HRT users versus nonusers in regard to demographic factors, health practices, knowledge, and attitudes.
Several underlying themes were identified. Sixty-seven (86%) of the participants reported that they knew what HRT was. Current users appear convinced of the potential role of HRT in the prevention of menopausal symptoms (70%), osteoporosis (67%), and cardiovascular disease (57%). Nonusers represented the largest group in this study and showed similar awareness of the role of HRT in menopausal symptoms ((65%) and osteoporosis (54%).
Nonusers appear to be skeptical and unconvinced of the potential role of HRT. The uncertainity expressed by the nonusers in this study about fear of cancer (31%), questionable safety (29%), and just not wanting to take HRT (35%) points to a need for balanced information and the opportunity for discussion of these complex issues. All PCP’s who care for women should fully discuss the positive and negative effects of HRT and identify and address the concerns, beliefs, and attidudes that may influence a woman’s decision regarding HRT.
The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers that may influence a woman’s decision regarding HRT. By studying these barriers the nurse practitioner will have a better understanding of a women’s existing concerns, and can better assist her in making an informed decision.
A non-experimental descriptive study was conducted utilizing a questionnaire consisting of 19 questions. A convenience sample of 78 menopausal women were recruited from the northwestern region of Pennsylvania. Analysis consisted of compilation of total percentages from all respondents and comparison was made between HRT users versus nonusers in regard to demographic factors, health practices, knowledge, and attitudes.
Several underlying themes were identified. Sixty-seven (86%) of the participants reported that they knew what HRT was. Current users appear convinced of the potential role of HRT in the prevention of menopausal symptoms (70%), osteoporosis (67%), and cardiovascular disease (57%). Nonusers represented the largest group in this study and showed similar awareness of the role of HRT in menopausal symptoms ((65%) and osteoporosis (54%).
Nonusers appear to be skeptical and unconvinced of the potential role of HRT. The uncertainity expressed by the nonusers in this study about fear of cancer (31%), questionable safety (29%), and just not wanting to take HRT (35%) points to a need for balanced information and the opportunity for discussion of these complex issues. All PCP’s who care for women should fully discuss the positive and negative effects of HRT and identify and address the concerns, beliefs, and attidudes that may influence a woman’s decision regarding HRT.
Note
This material is embargoed. Please contact the library for access to this material.
Genre
Resource Type
Place Published
Edinboro, Pa.
Language
Extent
pdf, 74 pages; 3MB
Rights
Dean, Janice. (1999). Barriers to hormonal replacement therapy. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Access from Pennsylvania Western University, Edinboro Archives.
Member of
Institution