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Treatment for the menopause in Central America: Use, knowledge, perceptions and attitudes among urban living middle-aged women

Abstract:

Background. Data on social and personal aspects of Central America are lacking in relation to hormone therapy (HT) and other treatments for the menopause. Objective. To gain information regarding the treatment of the menopause (HT/alternative): use, knowledge, perceptions and attitudes among middle-aged Central American women. Methods. A total of 720 urban living women (35-65 years) from six Central American countries (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama) were surveyed with a structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic data and information regarding the menopause and its treatment. Results. Participating countries displayed significant socio-demographic differences. Forty-one percent of all women were postmenopausal and 5.8% had no education at all. Knowledge regarding menopausal treatment options varied; while 27.2% (196/720) indicated HT as an option a higher rate (36.3%) either did not respond or answered not knowing anything. HT use for the whole sample was rather low 2.7% with differences seen among countries. 13.8% (27/196) indicated to have been on HT but abandoned treatment because of medical indication (51.9%), undesired side effects (29.6%) and costs (11.1%). While more than 50% considered HT served to replace hormones a smaller percentage (<14%) referred HT as bad for health, reduces cancer risk or has many side effects. 9.3% (67/720) acknowledged the existence of phytoestrogens as a menopausal treatment option, considering them as natural estrogens and good for health in 38.8% and 25.4%, respectively. Conclusions. HT use in this mid-aged series was rather low in which the demography of Central America may be related factors. Education to women and physicians should be encouraged. © 2011 Informa UK, Ltd.