The impact of ethnicity on attitudes and beliefs about estrogen replacement therapy among Michigan nurses

Abstract

This study investigates how a selected group of Black and White nurses perceived the risks and benefits of estrogen replacement therapy. The Menopausal Health Survey was developed as a mailed, self-administered survey to assess nurses' knowledge of estrogen's effects on osteoporosis and heart disease, and to assess nurses' attitudes toward estrogen replacement therapy. The findings suggest that given two samples of women with different ethinic backgrounds, but similar geographic locations, incomes, educational backgrounds, and health-seeking practices, there are distinct differences in knowledge about and perceptions of estrogen replacement therapy. These discrepancies highlight areas for potential improvement in the provision of health care to minority women.