Gender differences in health-related quality of life among asthma patients.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and explain differences between men and women with asthma regarding health-related quality of life (HRQoL).


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was performed among 967 asthma patients recruited from general practice. Data were collected by means of a pulmonary function assessment, a face-to-face interview, and a written questionnaire.


RESULTS
Women with asthma reported lower scores on HRQoL in the age groups 16-34 and 56-75 years but not in the age group 35-55 years. In all age groups, women reported more severe dyspnea but had higher levels of pulmonary function. The poorer HRQoL reported by women could be explained by a more severe dyspnea and a higher level of medication use in women.


CONCLUSIONS
The finding that women with asthma aged 16-34 and 56-75 years report poorer HRQoL than men is not due to a more severe disease state in terms of pulmonary obstruction but does seem to be related to a more severe subjective disease state in women than in men.
Wijnhoven
Hanneke A H
HA
Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine (E.M.G.O. Institute), Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. hanneke_wijnhoven@hotmail.com
Kriegsman
Didi M W
DM
Snoek
Frank J
FJ
Hesselink
Arlette E
AE
de Haan
Marten
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012737:Sex Factors; D013147:Spirometry
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents