The health-promoting behaviors and attitude towards menopause and hormone replacement therapy among women on dialysis.
The aim of this study was to assess the health-related behaviors, knowledge and attitude towards menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) among women receiving dialysis treatment. The study population consisted of 44 women aged 55-75 years attending the dialysis unit. All women completed a 20-item questionnaire, which covered information on personal health-care habits, life style and attitude regarding menopause and HRT. The majority of participants were of desirable weight (body mass index < 25 kg/m2) and had a positive body image. About 80% had never smoked, and did not engage in regular physical activity. Over half underwent annual Pap smear, mammography, breast examination by a physician, and only a small minority performed breast self-examination. Surprisingly, 45% had used HRT in the past, but only 5% were current users. Although we expected postmenopausal women with a life-threatening disease to be more aware of personal health care than the general population, only a relatively small percentage of the study population safeguarded their health care, and used HRT. Stronger educational efforts may be needed to promote health-related behaviors and a positive attitude to health care, aging and menopause in this subgroup of patients.
Winkler
J
J
Dialysis Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, 49110, Israel.
Yogev
Y
Y
Nahum
R
R
Blumberg
G
G
Fisher
M
M
Kaplan
B
B
D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016504:Breast Self-Examination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017698:Postmenopause; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000706:statistics & numerical data