Scientific evidence changes prescribing practice--a comparison of the management of the climacteric and use of hormone replacement therapy among Swedish gynaecologists in 1996 and 2003

• OBJECTIVES: To study changes in attitudes, knowledge and management strategies concerning hormone replacement therapy (HRT) among gynaecologists in Sweden. DESIGN: Comparative questionnaire study. SETTING: National survey. POPULATION: Practising gynaecologists. METHODS: In 1996, gynaecologists in Sweden (n= 1323) were invited to return a postal questionnaire concerning their attitudes, knowledge and management strategies concerning HRT. They were also asked about their own use of HRT. In 2003, a similar questionnaire was sent to practising gynaecologists (n= 1320) in Sweden. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Attitudes to and personal use of HRT. RESULTS: The response rate was 76% in 2003 when 11% of the gynaecologists thought that all women without contraindications should be offered HRT compared with 44% in 1996 and 89% found it difficult to evaluate pros and cons with HRT in a clinical situation (74% in 1996). More gynaecologists in 2003 believed that HRT increased the risk for breast cancer (95% vs 71%). Twenty-five percent in 2003 stated that risk factors for osteoporosis were absolute indications for HRT (60% in 1996). Current ischaemic heart disease was considered to be an indication for HRT by 7% in 2003 (60% in 1996). In 2003, current use of HRT was reported by 71% of female menopausal gynaecologists (88% in 1996). CONCLUSIONS: Swedish gynaecologists were more cautious in their management strategies concerning HRT in 2003 compared with 1996, probably influenced by results from the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS) and Women's Health Initiative (WHI) studies. Current use of HRT was still high among female gynaecologists, although it had decreased since 1996.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Reproduktionsmedicin och gynekologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Adult

Aged

*Attitude of Health Personnel

*Attitude to Health

*Climacteric

Female

*Gynecology

*Hormone Replacement Therapy

Humans

Male

Middle Aged

*Physician's Practice Patterns

Sweden

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)