Determinants of the intention to adopt hormone replacement therapy among premenopausal women

Abstract

Objective: To identify the psychosocial factors that influence the intention to adopt hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at menopause. Methods: Random Digit Dialing was used to recruit 644 premenopausal non-hysterectomized women aged 45–54. Data were collected using a telephone questionnaire previously developed according to the theory of planned behaviour. Variables measured were: intention to adopt HRT (INT); attitude towards HRT (Aact); perceived social norm (SN); perceived behavioural control (PBC); and personal normative belief (PNB). Socio-demographic data were also obtained. Results: Stepwise multiple regression of INT on the theoretical variables yielded an R 2 of 0.70. The determinants were Aact ( β=0.39, P<0.001), PNB ( β=0.25, P<0.001), PBC ( β=0.23, P<0.001) and SN ( β=0.12, P<0.001). Women with a strong intention to adopt HRT represented 25% of the sample. These women were more likely to believe that adopting HRT would have the following positive consequences: an improvement in general well-being, the prevention of health problems, an improvement in interpersonal relationships, an increase in productivity, the regulation of mood swings and a reduction of hot flashes. They were also more likely to believe in the following negative consequences: side-effects, an increased risk of cancer, the likelihood of weight gain, and interference in the natural course of menopause (all at P<0.001). Conclusion: Actions that target behaviourial beliefs regarding HRT and perceived barriers to its adoption are most likely to influence adoption of HRT.