title: Are there gender differences in the use of peak flow meters?
abstract: To determine if there are gender differences in correct use of peak flow meters (PEM), third-year doctor of pharmacy students (n = 83; 52 females, 31 males) were instructed in a classroom on correct use of a PFM, including demonstrations. Students were then immediately divided into five groups, given a PFM, and assessed for three attempts in private individual sessions. Males had superior performance on the first attempt for total score (p < 0.05) and for "inhale fully" (p < 0.05). On the second attempt, the total score was not different, but males scored higher on "exhale as fast and as hard as you can" (p < 0.05). Controlled gender studies examining use of PFM in adult and pediatric patients with asthma are warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163, USA.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chafin
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tolley
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Demirkan
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kuhl
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pugazhenthi
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Self
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012737:Sex Factors