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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jenny K. Yi, PhD, MPH and Pauline Wan, RN. University of Houston, 3855 Holman St., Garrison Bldg. Room 104, Houston, TX 77204, 7137439841, jyi@uh.edu

Despite the abundant research on the topic of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and health needs of postmenopausal women, there is a very little information available on the health needs of postmenopausal Asian American women residing in the US. They are seldom reached through health promotion and prevention activities. A cross sectional survey of Chinese women was undertaken to examine factors associated with use of hormone replacement therapy among postmenopausal Chinese American women. Data was collected using telephone interviews. The sample included 225 postmenopausal women with a mean age 59.2 years. In this study, 78.5% were currently married, 67.8% were high school graduates, and 63.8% had the household income of less than $25,000. The overall socioeconomic status of the study sample was low. The overall rate of current HRT use was 29.2%. Younger age, lower income level, and marital status were statistically associated with current use of HRT. Use of HRT was statistically associated with having a regular physician and regular use of calcium supplements. Use of HRT increased with longer length of residence, possibly because HRT is less commonly prescribed in their native country. The findings indicate that length of residence and increase in language capacity (more English usage) lead to better access to health care. Our survey suggests that factors such as age, length of residence in the US, and English acculturation have an impact on awareness and attitudes towards HRT.

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