To determine women’ expectations and experiences with hormone replacement therapy, seventeen focus groups (n=82) were conducted with a bi-ethnic (African-American and white) convenience sample of women from two coastal South Carolina communities. Participants were between 30 and 65 years of age. A trained moderator conducted all focus group sessions in community locations familiar to the participants. All of the focus group discussions were audio-recorded and a trained note taker, familiar with the project, manually recorded notes. Transcripts of the focus groups were prepared and the text was then entered into entered into the Non-Numerical Unstructured Data Indexing Searching and Theory-Building (NUD*IST) software program that facilitates qualitative data analysis by allowing for the hierarchical coding and analysis of data across themes, and groups. The themes that emerged included a desire for information about HRT, as many participants felt ill informed about HRT, a need to improve patient-provider communication about HRT, and the difficulty of making a decision regarding HRT. Some participants expressed enthusiasm about HRT and possible benefits associated with HRT use including the prevention of osteoporosis. Women also voiced concern about possible side effects including an increased risk of breast cancer risk. In addition, focus group data informed the development of a structured interview instrument used to gather quantitative data on expectations and experiences with HRT, menopause, and hysterectomy and materials for community-based workshops for women.
Learning Objectives: 1. By the end of the session, participants will be to identify women’s information needs regarding HRT. 2. By the end of the session, participants will be to identify patient-provider communication needs regarding HRT.
Keywords: Decision-Making, Health Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.