The menopause, hormone replacement therapy and informed consent: Are women in an under-resourced country adequately aware?

Summary

Recent evidence on the long-term effects of HRT have resulted in increased emphasis being placed on individualised counselling, patient choice and informed consent when managing the menopause. We assessed whether women in an under-resourced country have adequate knowledge of the menopause/HRT to engage in patient – provider discussions and provide full informed consent for HRT. Specific ‘knowledge scores’ for the menopause and HRT were developed and utilised in structured questionnaires to determine the existing levels of knowledge in 150 women from different racial, educational and occupational backgrounds. Some 92% were aware of the menopause and 54% were aware of HRT. Specific knowledge about the menopause and HRT overall was low (39% and 38%, respectively). There was a significant association between higher education levels, race and occupational status on the knowledge of the menopause but not of HRT. Television, radio and pamphlets were the preferred sources to gain further information. There is a need to create awareness and provide further education to women in under-resourced countries about the menopause and HRT to empower them to make informed choices about their health during this period.

Keywords:

• menopause
• hormone therapy
• awareness
• consent