Characteristics and prevalence of MHT use among women aged 40-65 years with low socioeconomic status: a multi-district study in Shanghai, China

Background: China faces a burgeoning demand for menopausal health care. Guidelines recommend Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) as the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. However, the prevalence of MHT use and its influencing factors remains largely unknown in China, especially for women with minimal assurance. Objective: This multi-center study aimed to explore the prevalence of MHT use with low socioeconomic status in shanghai and to understand its factors associated with MHT use. Methods and design We conducted a cross-sectional, multi-district, large-scale study of 6068 women aged 40-65 years with minimal living assurance from 10 health facilities in 7 districts of Shanghai supported by the Chinese government's public health benefit program. Data from cross-sectional survey of women between January 2023 and September 2023 were collected from comprehensive and modified questionnaires. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using logistic regression for characteristics related to MHT use, adjusting for sociodemographic, reproductive, health and lifestyle factors. Discussion This was the first largest of all similar studies to investigate the prevalence and the specific determinants of MHT use in southeast China. Our study revealed a low rate of MHT prescription among women with minimal assurance in Shanghai and MHT use was independently associated with undergoing a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, family history of osteoporosis, hospital-based sample source, regular physical activity, menopause, employment and higher educational level. It raises the need for increased awareness and strategies to help women seek menopausal health care of socioeconomic deprivation. Trial registration: chiCTR-EPC-17011255.