Ethnicity and attitude toward menopause and hormone replacement therapy in Northern Israel

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, perception and attitude towards menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) among women of different ethnic groups in Israel. Methods: 292 postmenopausal women attending primary health-care centers in northern Israel were recruited. All women completed a questionnaire, which included information on demographics, health status, menopausal symptoms, attitude toward menopause, adequacy of counseling and experience with HRT. Results: Thirty-five percent of women were Arabic women. Most of the population categorized menopause as a positive and natural event, only 26% of the Arabic women thought of menopause as an illness-oriented event compared to 7.7% of the Jewish women. Half the Arabic women had never received information or been counseled about menopause and HRT, compared to 18% of the Jewish women. Menopausal symptoms showed a statistically significant improvement with HRT. However, only 40% of the Jewish women and 24% of the Arabic women used HRT. Conclusions: Only a relatively small percentage of Arabic women know about menopause and HRT use, probably because of the relatively low rate of counseling and information provided about menopause and HRT, and their lack of knowledge. Greater efforts are needed to promote a positive attitude to aging and menopause, increase awareness and knowledge. Providing greater access to information and support are essential steps in improving the women's health of the Arabic population in Israel during menopausal years.