Decision aid reduces misperceptions about hormone therapy: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the role of a decision aid intervention in knowledge of menopausal symptom management.

Methods: Five hundred fifteen U.S. women who had menopausal symptoms and had discussed symptom management with providers within the past 12 months were assigned to either receive a decision aid or not. Participants completed a telephone survey 2 weeks after enrollment to assess knowledge. Overall knowledge scores and knowledge scores for general symptoms, benefits of hormone therapy, and risks of HT were compared between the decision aid arm and the control arm.

Results: Four hundred one women completed the survey. Participants in the decision aid arm had a significantly higher mean (SD) knowledge score (63.3% [18.4%]) compared with the control arm (57.5% [16.4%]; P = 0.001). Specifically, participants in the decision aid arm had significantly higher scores for general symptoms (mean difference, 11.0; 95% CI, 5.3 to 16.6; P < 0.001) and knowledge about benefits of HT (mean difference, 4.2; 95% CI, 0.03 to 8.5; P = 0.048) compared with the control arm. However, scores on knowledge about HT risks were not different between the arms (mean difference, 2.1; 95% CI, -3.0 to 7.2; P = 0.422).

Conclusions: The decision aid arm has greater knowledge of menopausal symptom management compared with the control arm, although the difference is small. In general, there is a considerable lack of knowledge about menopausal symptoms and HT risks.