Determinants of first prescription of hormone replacement therapy. A follow-up study among 1689 women aged 45-60 years.
The aim of the present study was to ascertain the cumulative incidence of first hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the factors that predict its prescription. In a general population 1689 women were followed for 9 months in order to trace first HRT prescriptions. Determinants (well-being, attitude towards menopause, menopausal status and another 9 variables) were measured by means of a questionnaire. Data analyses were performed for all women and for women with or without typical climacteric complaints. The cumulative 9 month incidence of HRT was 6.2%. For women without typical complaints a lower level of well-being (odds ratio 5.5; 95% CI 1.9-15.5) and the former use of the contraceptive pill (odds ratio 4.6%; 95% CI 1.0-20.5) were independently associated with HRT prescription. For women with typical complaints a positive attitude towards 'menopause should be treated' (odds ratio 3.8; 95% CI 1.8-8.0) was a determinant of HRT prescription. The cumulative incidence of HRT prescription is high, but from additional data it is apparent that within a period of 1 year and 9 months the majority of women stop taking HRT. For women without typical complaints, physicians prescribe HRT five times more often to those with a lower level of well-being. For women with typical complaints the physician's prescription is primarily related to the woman's attitude towards (medical) treatment of the menopause.
Groeneveld
F P
FP
Department of General Practice, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Bareman
F P
FP
Barentsen
R
R
Dokter
H J
HJ
Drogendijk
A C
AC
Hoes
A W
AW
D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002979:Climacteric / Q000187:drug effects / Q000523:psychology; D004363:Drug Utilization; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology