Knowledge of menopause and hormone replacement therapy use in low-income urban women.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can have significant long-term health benefits in postmenopausal women, yet rates of HRT use are low, especially in low-income urban women. Previous research has revealed that knowledge of menopause is a key predictor of HRT use in this population. A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 215 perimenopausal and postmenopausal low-income urban women was carried out to characterize knowledge of menopause and HRT and factors associated with knowledge level. Sociodemographic characteristics, patterns of HRT use, and knowledge about menopause and HRT were collected through a structured interview. Results revealed a general lack of knowledge about menopause and HRT, particularly relative to heart disease and the role of HRT in prevention. Major independent predictors of increased knowledge (R2 = 0.31) were having talked with a healthcare provider about HRT, having at least a high school education, and being less than 60 years of age. These findings emphasize the key role of providers in educating this vulnerable population about menopause and HRT and the potential subsequent impact on HRT use.