This research, part of an Internet-based study, examined whether beliefs about menopause and the Health Belief Model (HBM) variables explained women's use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Data were collected via a Web site and 208 women, ages 40 to 60, enrolled in the study over an eight-week period. Logistic regression analysis revealed perceived barriers and confidence as significant in predicting which women used HRT. The project was conducted prior to findings from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). Despite a reduced risk of osteoporotic fractures in women receiving combined HRT, the WHI reports the risks of HRT outweigh the benefits.
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects many women. Prior to findings from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), 1 hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was readily prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. However, even though earlier evidence supported the use of HRT for bone loss, women struggled with the decision to use HRT. The purpose of this study was to determine if beliefs about menopause and the Health Belief Model (HBM) variables of perceived susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, barriers, confidence, and health motivation explain women's current use of HRT. The study was part of a larger, Internet-based randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compared the effectiveness of the delivery of computer-tailored information with nontailored information via a Web site on women's intention to continue or to initiate use of HRT for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.