A survey of women's knowledge and perception of hormone replacement therapy (hrt) in Enugu, South East Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

As a result of alteration in the physiological, biochemical and psychological environment of a woman due to menopause, there may be need for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This concept is new in our poor resource setting, thus the knowledge and perception of HRT will be invaluable to appropriate adjustment to menopausal period.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and perception of hormone replacement therapy among women in Enugu South-East Nigeria.

METHOD

This was a cross sectional survey of gynaecology clinic attendees at the university of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu. These women were randomly selected. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The primary method used was cross tabulation.

RESULT

The knowledge and perception of HR among women of South East Nigeria is poor and related to the level of education. One hundred and sixty eight women (38.9%) had knowledge of HRT and only 48 (11.1%) had taken it in the past. Currently none was using HRT despite experiencing menopausal symptoms. Majority of women were ignorant of HRT and took climacteric symptoms as part of aging process.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge and perception of HRT is poor and limited. Public enlightenment would help to improve awareness of climacteric symptoms. Women at high risk for menopausal diseases should be advised on HRT.