Gender Differences In Health-related Quality Research Articles

Gender differences in health-related quality of life in patients undergoing coronary angiography

BackgroundHealth-related quality of life (HRQOL) reflects the general well-being of individuals. In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), HRQOL is compromised. Female patients with CAD have been reported to have...

P7. Gender differences in health-related quality of life in polymyalgia rheumatica

P7. Gender differences in health-related quality of life in polymyalgia rheumatica

Gender differences in health-related quality of life associated with abdominal obesity in a Korean population

ObjectivesOverall obesity, as measured by body mass index (BMI), has been associated with a low level of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), but little is known about abdominal obesity. This...

Physical Health Status in Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Tehran City

Physical Health Status in Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Tehran City

FRI0366 Gender differences in health-related quality of life in poymyalgia rheumatica

BackgroundThe limited evidence on gender differences in outcomes in PMR suggests females experience a more severe and protracted course of disease. Females have longer duration of symptoms, higher relapse rate,...

Gender differences in health-related quality of life in patients with bipolar disorder

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a widely accepted measure of illness state that is related to morbidity and mortality. Findings from various populations show that women report lower HRQOL than men. We analyzed baseline HRQOL data for gender differences from a multisite, randomized controlled study for adults with bipolar disorder. HRQOL was assessed using the 12-item Short Form (SF-12) physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) health scales. Multivariate linear and bivariate regression models examined differences in self-reported data on demographics, depressive symptoms (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire), bipolar disorder symptoms (Internal State Scale), and medical comorbidities. Out of 384 enrolled (mean age = 42 years), 256 were women (66.7 %). After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and clinical factors, women had lower SF-12 PCS scores than men [β = -1.78, standard error (SE) = 0.87, p < 0.05], indicating worse physical health, but there were no gender differences in MCS scores. After controlling for patient factors including medical and behavioral comorbidities, the association between gender and PCS score was no longer significant. Of the medical comorbidities, pain was associated with lower PCS scores (β = -4.90, SE = 0.86, p < 0.0001). Worse physical HRQOL experienced by women with bipolar disorder may be explained by medical comorbidity, particularly pain, suggesting the importance of gender-tailored interventions addressing physical health conditions.

Gender Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life and Adherence 5 Years after Heart Transplantation

Purpose There is a paucity of research on the effect of gender on outcomes after heart transplantation (HT). The purpose of our study was to examine differences in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and adherence by gender in patients (pts) who were 5 years post HT. Methods and Materials A secondary analysis was conducted from a prospective, longitudinal, multi-site study of outcomes long-term after HT, that included a sample of pts who were 5 years post HT (n=210). Pts completed the Quality of Life Index, Cardiac Depression Scale, PANAS-X, HT Stressor Scale, Jalowiec Coping Scale, HT Symptom Checklist, Social Support Index, and Assessment of Problems with the HT Regimen. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression models based on aggregated results of repeated bootstrap samples drawn from the original data. Results Our sample included men (n=168) and women (n=42) who were 57±9 vs 49±12 years of age (p Conclusions Psychological adjustment, social support, and adherence differed between men and women at 5 years after heart transplantation. Differences in these dimensions of HRQOL and adherence provide guidance in tailoring patient care long-term after heart transplantation.

Gender differences in health-related quality of life of Australian chronically-ill adults: patient and physician characteristics do matter

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a large sample of Australian chronically-ill patients (type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension/ischaemic heart disease), to investigate the impact of characteristics of patients and their general practitioners on their HRQoL and to examine clinically significant differences in HRQoL among males and females.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study with 193 general practitioners and 2181 of their chronically-ill patients aged 18 years or more using the standard Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) version 2. SF-12 physical component score (PCS-12) and mental component score (MCS-12) were derived using the standard US algorithm. Multilevel regression analysis (patients at level 1 and general practitioners at level 2) was applied to relate PCS-12 and MCS-12 to patient and general practitioner (GP) characteristics.ResultsEmployment was likely to have a clinically significant larger positive effect on HRQoL of males (regression coefficient (B) (PCS-12) = 7.29, P < 0.001, effect size = 1.23 and B (MCS-12) = 3.40, P < 0.01, effect size = 0.55) than that of females (B(PCS-12) = 4.05, P < 0.001, effect size = 0.78 and B (MCS-12) = 1.16, P > 0.05, effect size = 0.16). There was a clinically significant difference in HRQoL among age groups. Younger men (< 39 years) were likely to have better physical health than older men (> 59 years, B = −5.82, P < 0.05, effect size = 0.66); older women tended to have better mental health (B = 5.62, P < 0.001, effect size = 0.77) than younger women. Chronically-ill women smokers reported clinically significant (B = −3.99, P < 0.001, effect size = 0.66) poorer mental health than women who were non-smokers. Female GPs were more likely to examine female patients than male patients (33% vs. 15%, P < 0.001) and female patients attending female GPs reported better physical health (B = 1.59, P < 0.05, effect size = 0.30).ConclusionsSome of the associations between patient characteristics and SF-12 physical and/or mental component scores were different for men and women. This finding underlines the importance of considering these factors in the management of chronically-ill patients in general practice. The results suggest that chronically ill women attempting to quit smoking may need more psychological support. More quantitative studies are needed to determine the association between GP gender and patient gender in relation to HRQoL.

Gender differences in health-related quality of life among Estonian adolescents: a 6-month follow-up

This study aimed to determine the differences between boys and girls in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its domains of physical health, emotional-, social-, and school-related functioning over a six-month period. Six hundred and forty seven Estonian secondary school students participated in the study, of whom 401 (177 boys and 224 girls; age 13.60±0.63 years) filled in the HRQoL questionnaire (PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales) on three occasions: baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. To analyse the changes in HRQoL among boys and girls over a six-month period, repeated measures ANOVA was performed. The results revealed that boys scored significantly higher compared to girls on emotional functioning at all three time points over a six-month period. As for total score of HRQoL, and physical and psychosocial health, boys scored significantly higher than girls only on the first and second measurements. No significant changes in total score of HRQoL as well as its domains were followed in boys or girls between baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. The lower perceptions of total score of HRQoL as well as its domains of physical health, emotional functioning, and psychosocial health among girls in Estonia over a six month period support the findings of previous longitudinal studies.

Gender differences in health‐related quality of life, physical function and psychological status among patients in the early phase following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in quality of life (QOL), physical function and psychological status before and in the early phase after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). One hundred patients (66 men, 34 women) who underwent allo-HSCT between July 2007 and June 2011 at Hyogo College of Medicine Hospital were included in this study. Patients were evaluated for health-related QOL using the Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey; exercise capacity was measured with the 6-min walk test, hand grip strength and knee extensor strength. Fatigue and psychological status were measured by the Piper Fatigue Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively. Women had significantly lower scores for physical function and general health on health-related QOL tests compared with men (p < 0.01). No difference between genders was found in decline of physical function. In women, exercise capacity was strongly associated with QOL (p < 0.01). In men, depression and anxiety were closely related to QOL (p < 0.01). Gender-appropriate rehabilitation in allo-HSCT patients is important. Women may need more endurance exercises and training for activities of daily life. Men may need rehabilitation including a psychological approach.

Gender differences in health-related quality of life among cannabis users: Results from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions

BackgroundCannabis is the most widely used illicit substance worldwide. The aim of the present study was to assess self-reported Quality of Life (QoL) among cannabis users in a large representative sample. MethodsWe analyzed data from the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC, n=43,093). Health-related QoL was assessed using the Short-form 12-item Health Survey (SF-12). The contribution of cannabis use and cannabis use disorders (CUD) to SF-12 scores was assessed using multiple linear regressions models. ResultsThe prevalence of cannabis use and CUD in the last 12months was 4.1% and 1.5%, respectively. Mean SF-12 mental summary scores were significantly lower (indicating a lower QoL) among female and male cannabis users compared to non-users (by 0.6 standard deviations (SD) and 0.3 SD, respectively), and among females and males with CUD compared to those without CUD (by 0.9 SD and 0.4 SD, respectively). Controlling for sociodemographic variables and mental illness, each joint smoked daily was associated with a greater decrease in mental QoL summary scores in females (0.1 SD) compared to males (0.03 SD). ConclusionsCannabis use and CUD were associated with lower self-reported mental QoL. Specifically, our findings showed that cannabis use and CUD have a more significant effect on self-reported mental health QoL among female users. Assessing severity of cannabis use and impact of CUD should take into account functional and emotional outcomes. This may particularly aid in detecting the impact of cannabis use and CUD on mental health-related QoL among females.

Health‐related quality of life of Estonian adolescents: reliability and validity of the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales in Estonia

The main aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 (PedsQL™ 4.0) Generic Core Scales among Estonian adolescents. Gender differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were also investigated. The 654 adolescents (309 boys and 345 girls) aged 13-14 years (M age = 13.57 years, SD = 0.62) completed Estonian version of the PedsQL™ 4.0. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis for a five-factor model of the Estonian version of PedsQL™ 4.0 approached the criteria of acceptable fit after setting error covariance to be free between some of the items within physical health, emotional functioning and social functioning subscales. Cronbach's alpha coefficients exceeded the minimum criterion of 0.70 for all subscales except for days missed from school because of illness subscale. With regard to gender differences, consistent with previous studies, girls reported lower level on total score of HRQoL as well as its aspects of physical health, emotional functioning and psychosocial health. The present study revealed that after some modifications, the PedsQL™ 4.0 could be considered as suitable instrument to measure HRQoL among Estonian adolescents.

Gender Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life After Coronary Bypass Surgery: Results From a 1-Year Follow-Up in Propensity-Matched Men and Women

To examine whether the predictive value of gender for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is independent of clinical health status and depression. Women undergoing coronary bypass surgery generally report a poorer HRQoL than men. A total of 990 (20% women) patients completed study questionnaires 1 day before coronary bypass surgery and 1 year after surgery. Physical aspects of HRQoL were assessed with the Short Form 36 Health Survey. Depression was measured with the self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire. Propensity score matching was applied to match men and women with respect to 65 clinical variables. Of 198 women, 157 (79.3%) could be matched to a partner, resulting in an excellent balance of clinical variables between the matched groups. At baseline, propensity-matched men and women differed in physical functioning (p < .001) and role functioning (p = .007), but not in bodily pain and general health perception. In both men and women, HRQoL outcomes improved over 1 year. Preoperative depression predicted worse physical HRQoL in all outcomes, except general health perception 1 year after surgery. After adjusting for depression, gender lost its predictive power with respect to physical functioning. However, compared with women, men still reported a better role functioning. Our data suggest that gender is a marker for role functioning, independent of the clinical health status and depression. Rehabilitation measures designed for the specific needs of women might help to improve their HRQoL.

Age and gender differences in health-related quality of life of children and adolescents in Europe: a multilevel analysis

To determine age and gender differences in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents across 12 European countries using a newly developed HRQOL measure (KIDSCREEN). The KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire was filled in by 21,590 children and adolescents aged 8-18 from 12 countries. We used multilevel regression analyses to model the hierarchical structure of the data. In addition, effect sizes were computed to test for gender differences within each age group. Children generally showed better HRQOL than adolescents (P < 0.001). While boys and girls had similar HRQOL at young age, girls' HRQOL declined more than boys' (P < 0.001) with increasing age, depending on the HRQOL scale. There was significant variation between countries both at the youngest age and for age trajectories. For the first time, gender and age differences in children's and adolescents' HRQOL across Europe were assessed using a comprehensive and standardised instrument. Gender and age differences exist for most HRQOL scales. Differences in HRQOL across Europe point to the importance of national contexts for youth's well-being.

Gender Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

Gender Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

Gender differences in health-related quality of life following total laryngectomy

Gender differences in health-related quality of life following total laryngectomy

Gender Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: An Integrative Literature Review

Gender Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: An Integrative Literature Review

Gender differences in health-related quality of life among healthy aged and old-aged austrians: Cross-sectional analysis

Although they experience lower mortality rates and lower rates of several chronic diseases than do their male counterparts, aging women are more likely to experience functional impairment in mobility and a general diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The determinants of these gender differences have been the subject of controversy. This study analyzed gender differences in HRQoL in relation to social and biomedical factors such as age, marital status, educational level, and living arrangements. Participants were recruited via snowball sampling. All were healthy and lived independently in private homes. Data were obtained from personal interviews, based on a 30-item questionnaire, in the private homes of the participants. Additionally, HRQoL was assessed by means of the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) 26-item questionnaire, which contains 1 general health item, 1 general QoL item, and 24 specific items covering 4 broad domains: physical (DOM I), psychological (DOM II), social (DOM III), and environmental (DOM IV). The participants (98 women, 62 men) enrolled in the study ranged in age from 57 to 95 years (mean [SD] age: 71.8 [8.6] years). The younger age group (aged 57-70 years) comprised 54 women and 25 men, and the older age group (aged >70 years) comprised 44 women and 37 men. Women aged < or =70 years rated their health and QoL significantly higher than did men in the same age group (P = 0.02). These women rated physical capacity (DOM I), social relationships (DOM III), and environment (DOM IV) higher, but not statistically significantly different, than did same-aged men. Women and men exhibited nearly identical psychological health (DOM II) values. Physical capacity (DOM I) differed significantly between women and men aged >70 years (P = 0.03). Women aged >70 years rated their QoL lower than their male counterparts did, although not significantly so. These women depended more on medical treatment, felt significantly less safe in everyday life (P = 0.03), and were less satisfied with themselves. The results of the multiple regression analyses suggest that gender may have a significant impact on general QoL for both age groups (P < 0.01 for the younger age group; P > 0.04 for the older age group). In these analyses, gender also had a significant impact on 2 domains, physical capacity and social relationships (P < 0.02 for both domains), among the participants of the younger age group. Depending on the age group (< or =70 vs >70 years) in this small sample of Austrian women and men, gender influenced HRQoL.

Gender Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life for Veterans With Serious Mental Illness

This study assessed gender differences in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a national sample of veterans with serious mental illness. Data were analyzed from the Large Health Survey of Veterans, which was mailed to a national random sample of veterans in 1999. The linear and logistic multiple regression analyses included 18,017 veterans with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder who completed the survey. HRQOL was measured by using the various subscales of the 36-Item Short Form of the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS SF-36) (mental component summary, physical component summary, and activities of daily living) and by questions assessing self-perceptions of health status. The sample was 7.3% female, 75.7% white, and 83.8% unemployed. Mean+/-SD age was 54.3+/-12.2 years. After the analysis adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and other variables, compared with male veterans, female veterans with serious mental illness had lower scores on the SF-36 physical component summary (indicating worse symptoms), were more likely to report that they were limited "a lot" in activities of daily living, and had more pain. However, female respondents were more likely to have a positive outlook on their health. Among veterans who received a diagnosis of serious mental illness from providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, women reported substantially poorer HRQOL than men across several domains but women reported better self-perceived health. Attention to the particular needs of female veterans with serious mental illness is imperative as the numbers of female veterans continue to increase.

Gender Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life for Veterans With Serious Mental Illness

This study assessed gender differences in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a national sample of veterans with serious mental illness.Data were analyzed from the Large Health Survey of Veterans, which was mailed to a national random sample of veterans in 1999. The linear and logistic multiple regression analyses included 18,017 veterans with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder who completed the survey. HRQOL was measured by using the various subscales of the 36-Item Short Form of the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS SF-36) (mental component summary, physical component summary, and activities of daily living) and by questions assessing self-perceptions of health status.The sample was 7.3% female, 75.7% white, and 83.8% unemployed. Mean+/-SD age was 54.3+/-12.2 years. After the analysis adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and other variables, compared with male veterans, female veterans with serious mental illness had lower scores on the SF-36 physical component summary (indicating worse symptoms), were more likely to report that they were limited "a lot" in activities of daily living, and had more pain. However, female respondents were more likely to have a positive outlook on their health.Among veterans who received a diagnosis of serious mental illness from providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, women reported substantially poorer HRQOL than men across several domains but women reported better self-perceived health. Attention to the particular needs of female veterans with serious mental illness is imperative as the numbers of female veterans continue to increase.