Changes in the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy in New Zealand following the publication of the Women's Health Initiative trial.
BACKGROUND
Results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) have recently been published. We carried out a national survey to assess the impact of the July 2002 findings on HRT use. We also studied where women obtained information, as well as their opinions and beliefs.


METHODS
500 women aged 45 to 64 years were randomly selected from the electoral rolls, and were sent a questionnaire regarding use and knowledge of HRT. There was phone follow-up for those who did not reply. Variables were tested for associations using the Chi-squared test and adjusted for confounding.


RESULTS
We received 298 questionnaires back, and a further 20 responses were received by phone (response rate 66%). We found that 15% of women were taking HRT during June 2002 compared to 11% taking HRT in December 2002, a drop of 36%. Even in July 2002, only 2% of users reported taking it to prevent coronary heart disease. Findings from the WHI trial were the main reason for stopping HRT. Women expressed an interest in more 'natural' therapies over HRT. Most women had heard information on HRT, however knowledge was lacking in some areas.


CONCLUSIONS
The publicity following publication of the WHI trial has led to a decline in HRT use in New Zealand consistent with national sales data. Nevertheless, most women were not using HRT for heart disease prevention even before the WHI trial was published, suggesting that the NZ Guidelines Group 2001 recommendation against such use had been widely acted on. Women have expressed an interest in alternative therapies and more research is required in these areas. Methods of stopping HRT are understudied.
Bilgrami
Irma
I
Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. irmabilgrami@hotmail.com
Blower
Katy
K
Feng
Jason
J
Stefanko
Georgia
G
Tan
Eugene
E
D003625:Data Collection; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D015995:Prevalence; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires