Factors of Intention to take Hormone Replacement Therapy in Korean Menopausal Women

Chung, Chae Weon

Abstract

PURPOSE: To identify factors influencing women's intention to take hormone replacement therapy(HRT). METHOD: A cross-sectional survey design was utilized. A total of 116 married women aged 40 to 60 were recruited from women's groups in communities. They completed a structured questionnaire containing demographic characteristics, Orientation to Life Questionnaire, Menopausal Symptom Checklist, Health Belief of Korean Adult, Sexrole Idea of Kim, Dong-il, chronic illnesses, and a single item measuring marital satisfaction. RESULT: Thirteen percents of the women were currently taking HRT and 28.4% had intention to take HRT. Education, sense of coherence, and sex role attitude were related to women's susceptibility to menopause. Hysterectomy status and the level of sense of coherence explained women's perception of seriousness regarding menopause. In addition, chronic health conditions accounted for the variances of benefits and barriers to HRT. Factors influencing women's intention to take HRT were education, menopausal symptoms, and perceived benefits of HRT.
CONCLUSION
Women's chronic health conditions, psychosocial characteristics as well as menopausal discomforts were associated with women's choice regarding HRT. Other factors related to decision making process of women's health seeking behaviors need to be explored.