Objectives: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in Croatian postmenopausal women, attitudes towards it and factors influencing this decision.
Methods: A total of 1100 women were interviewed in Ob/Gyn offices using self-response questionnaire of 56 items, dealing with demographic data, personal and family medical history, surgeries, menstrual and menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), sexuality, knowledge and attitudes towards the menopause and HRT.
Results: The adherence to HRT in Croatia was found to be very short, averaging only 3 months. Despite the differences between the users, non-users and past users, all groups give more reasons to take HRT, then reasons against it. Among the many demographic and patient history characteristics considered, the differences were only found regarding breastfeeding duration, menopausal age, use of oral contraceptives and IUDs. No differences were found in age, menarche, number of family members, number of deliveries, number of abortions, BMI, marital and employment status or level of education. Regarding personal and family medical history, an increased frequency was found in gallbladder and hepatic disorders for HRT users. The differences in current/past users ratio for different prescribers show that compliance with HRT is highest for university polyclinics and private gynaecological practices, and lowest for GPs and endocrinologists.
Conclusion: The compliance with HRT in Croatia is very low, recommendations are mostly restricted to gynaecological practices and decision to take HRT is influenced mostly by psychological factors.