한국 폐경여성의 호르몬 대체 요법에 대한 인지도와 수용성에 대한 연구 - 폐경과 호르몬 대체요법에 대한 한국 갤럽 역학연구 조사 결과 = The HRT Awareness and Acceptance in Korean Postmenopausal Women - Results of Korean Gallup Epidemiologic Survey on Menopause and HRT

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Objective: This epidemiologic study was designed to assess HRT awareness and acceptance in Korean postmenopausal women as a part of 3rd Korean Estrogen Deficiency Awareness (KEDA) anniversary program. Design: This study was conducted by Korea Gallup under the auspices of Korea Menopause Society and Korea Wyeth through the face to face interviews with 1201 women aged between 50 and 59 years, who were randomly recruited from all areas in Korea, by using questionnaire consisting of 53 items of question about menopause and HRT. Results: Of total cohort, slightly more than half reported they were aware of HRT. HRT awareness was strongly and significantly influenced by educational level, household income and living area. Among 938 women without menstruation, 228 women comprising 24.3% had ever used HRT, which was the total of 23.3% of natural menopausal women and 29.8% of hysterectomized women. Forty-four percents of ever-users of HRT, were currently using HRT and 56% were past-users. Nearly one-tenth of women with natural menopause were currently using HRT, while 19% of hysterectomized women were current-users. Ever and current use of HRT was more common after hysterectomy. Sixty-four percents of ever-users reported major motivation to take HRT was doctor's recommendation. Twenty-eight percents were recommended by relatives and friends while 8% were recommended by media such as radio, TV and press. Primary reason for never initiating therapy was no or mild menopausal symptom. Second most common reason was therapy seemed to be not natural and ignorance of HRT. Among past users of HRT, primary reason for stopping HRT was undesirable side effects from the medication. Next most common reason was medication seems to be troublesome and complicated, third most common reason was resolution of symptom. Near one-third of ever-users of HRT started medication soon after menopause and slightly more than half started within 1 year after menopause. Of ever-users of HRT, slightly more than half stopped within 1 year. Three-quarters consulted by gynecologist for prescription of HRT, 18% internist, 4% general practictioner. As basal lab test for HRT, 81% had pap smear, 76% had mammography and 48% had a bone density assessment. Eighty-six percents of ever-users reported HRT was effective for treatment of climacteric symptoms but 14% reported it was ineffective. Conclusion: Even slight more than half of women were aware of HRT, the rate of ever-use was 24.3% and that of current-use was only 10.8%. Therefore we should improve the prescription rate and compliance rate of HRT through continuous education for doctors and postmenopausal women.