Abstract
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency with which hormone replacement
therapy (HRT) was prescribed and to identify physician-related factors associated
with the prescription of HRT in Spain.
Study design
A descriptive cross-sectional survey based on a personal interview with a structured
questionnaire was conducted in April 2005 with physicians aged 25–65 years. A total
of 2700 doctors were asked to participate in this prospective study (1350 GY and 1350
GP). This number included 270 gynaecologists (GY group) and 270 general practitioners
(GP group).
Results
Only 10% of gynaecologists and 19.4% of GPs had never prescribed HRT. The reasons
given for not prescribing HRT were adverse effects and the fear of cancer among GPs
and adverse effects and social alarm in the GY group. Phytoestrogens were the most
commonly used alternative; however, GPs were more willing to use antidepressants and
benzodiazepines than GYs. The frequency of HRT prescription in symptomatic women was
significantly higher among GYs. The main reasons for prescribing HRT were climacteric
complaints and improvement in life quality for GYs and, climacteric complaints and
the prevention of osteoporosis for GPs. Seventy-eight percent of GYs prescribing hormones
referred a high degree of satisfaction with HRT, whereas only 50% of GPs expressed
a similar attitude.
Conclusions
Concern for HRT prescription in Spain is high. Adverse effects and the fear of cancer
are negative conditioning factors in the prescription of HRT, whereas climacteric
complaints, quality of life and the prevention of osteoporosis are positive conditioning
factors. GYs are more willing to use HRT than GPs. This contrast may reflect the indecision
of GPs regarding the preventive value of HRT.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
April 11,
2006
Received in revised form:
April 11,
2006
Received:
January 12,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
