Knowledge, Attitude, and Prevalence of Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy among Women in United Arab Emirates

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge and attitude of women living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and their associated health benefits and risks. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 220 women aged 20-70 years old in the UAE mainly in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The survey included 21 items; socio-demographic profiles, medical and menstrual histories, and questions related to their knowledge, attitude toward HRT use, benefits, and risks. Results: Among females participated in the study, (48%) were using a variety of HRT for managing menopausal symptoms. Health care professionals were chosen the most as their main source of information in both Abu Dhabi and Sharjah (68%, 39%, p<0.0001). 26% of women living in Abu Dhabi and 19% in Sharjah thought that HRT was a good solution for women with menopausal symptoms. The percentages of women who had a negative attitude toward HRT were almost equal in both cities (Abu Dhabi 10.78%, Sharjah 14.41%). However, the overall knowledge of the participants about HRT risks and benefits was average. Conclusion: The study indicated that there was a positive attitude toward HRT use and good knowledge of its possible benefits and risks among the participants which could be because physicians were their major source of information.