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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1997

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Kay Foland

Keywords

hormone therapy menopause, health and hygiene of middle aged women, attitudes of middle aged women

Abstract

A women's life expectancy has increased from 65 years in 1940 to 80 years in 1993 (Health United States, 1996). Despite this, the average age of menopause has remained constant at approximately the age of 50. Most woman can expect to spend a third of their lives in the post menopausal years. An important decision a women faces during the post menopausal years is whether or not to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For some women, the decision is made after careful consideration of information avail able to them. For others, it is based on philosophical attitudes against tamper- ing with a natural event in women's lives. For some others, the decision is made by default when the issue is not addressed or understood specifically (Landau, Cyr, & Moulton 1994).
The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge of meno- pausal women toward hormone replacement therapy (HRT), factors which may influence women's decisions about HRT and attitudes of menopausal women toward HRT.
This study showed post-menopausal women not on HRT have less knowledge that those women taking HRT. Is something missing in the This study showed post-menopausal women not on HRT have less knowledge that those women taking HRT. Is something missing in the education process? Pre-menopausal women showed greater concern about postmenopausal sexuality than post-menopausal women. Is the lack of education causing misplaced fears?

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Menopause -- Hormone therapy
Middle aged women -- Health and hygiene
Middle aged women -- Attitudes

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

78

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 1999 Lucy Burchill. All rights reserved

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