Exploring Information ‘Context’ in the Published Literature of Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Using content analysis, this study explores information context as expressed in medical and consumer articles, and the role of the literature in influencing the innovation-decision process. Changing practices related to hormone therapy for menopausal and postmenopausal women, and the expression of biomedical and normal life transition models within published literature provided context for the study; ‘diffusion of innovations’ theory provided the theoretical framework that informed the investigation. Findings suggest that both medical and consumer health literature is dominated by the biomedical model; that context may influence the presentation of information, thus impacting innovation decision-making; and that published literature not only provides information and reinforces knowledge, but, through information context, it also produces and shapes meaning, and creates belief. Librarians and information professionals are encouraged to recognize the influence of context within published literature; to facilitate access by both professionals and consumers to the diversity of information that informs human knowledge; and to enhance appreciation for the contribution of diverse theoretical perspectives and research methods.