Capturing and clustering women's judgement policies: the case of hormonal therapy for menopause
Article Abstract:
Decision-making strategies of decision makers have been studied widely, but most studies focus on how individuals use available information to reach decisions. Differences in other characteristics of decision makers have not been explored. A study was designed to determine the influence of various sociodemographic, attitudinal, and experience factors on women who are faced with a decision regarding the use of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. There were 265 women participating in the study, and in small groups they provided information regarding sociodemographics, attitudes, and pre-existing knowledge of menopause. They were then presented with information on the advantages and disadvantages of ERT and another hormonal therapy - estrogen plus progestin. Subjects were then presented with 16 hypothetical cases of menopausal women; the cases involved hot flashes, risk for osteoporosis (a bone disease common in postmenopausal women), and risk for endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining). The subjects were asked to rate on a scale of 1 to 5 how likely they would be to take ERT in each case. The cases were repeated, and subjects were asked to rate how likely they would be to take estrogen plus progestin in each case. Four distinct decision-making strategies emerged in the analysis of data. One group of women, the largest of the four, had a simple strategy such that if hot flashes were severe, they would take treatment regardless of the risk involved in doing so. The next largest group considered not only hot flashes but also the risk of osteoporosis and, to a small degree, the risk of cancer in making their decisions. The next group was concerned about hot flashes to some degree, but they were most concerned about unpleasant side effects of treatment. Women in group four were more concerned about the risk of cancer than the presence of hot flashes. It seems, therefore, that a major determinant of the decisions these women made was current comfort level (i.e., presence of hot flashes), and to a lessor degree the risks associated with treatment options. Health care workers who are aware of these concerns could help women make decisions regarding the use of hormonal therapy during and after menopause. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1991
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Efficacy of calcium supplements on bone mass in postmenopausal women
Article Abstract:
Calcium supplements are more effective in reducing bone loss and preventing osteoporosis in late postmenopausal women than in early postmenopausal women. Calcium supplementation is even more effective when combined with estrogen, vitamin D or excercise regimens. In the absence of hypercalcemia or nephrolithiasis, daily intake of 2,000 mg of calcium is considered safe. High calcium intake does not lead to increased kidney stones.
Publication Name: The Journals of Gerontology, Series A
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 1079-5006
Year: 1999
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Hormone replacement therapy in octogenarian women: good or bad?
Article Abstract:
Many elderly women may benefit from estriol, which was shown to increase bone density in one study. Estriol is a derivative of estrogen, which many elderly women cannot take because of its side effects.
Publication Name: The Journals of Gerontology, Series A
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 1079-5006
Year: 2000
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