Gender differences in the use of peak flow meters and their effect on peak expiratory flow.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if gender differences in the skill of using peak flow meters affect peak expiratory flow (PEF).


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
University classroom.


METHODS
One hundred sixteen first-year pharmacy students (76 women, 40 men).


METHODS
Students were taught correct use of a peak flow meter by means of classroom discussion and demonstrations.


RESULTS
The students' technique in use of the peak flow meter was scored 3 times, and their PEF was recorded. Men scored higher than women (p=0.03) for the steps of "inhale fully" and "exhale as hard and as fast as you can" in the first attempt. Percentage increases in PEF did not significantly differ between the groups. Percentage change in PEF improved from the second attempt to the third attempt in women (p=0.036) but not men. On the third attempt, 13.2% of women versus 2.6% of men had an increase in PEF of more than 50% (p=0.1).


CONCLUSIONS
This study found that men learned the correct technique for using a peak flow meter and attained their best PEF more quickly than women.
Colleges of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA. tself@utmem.edu
Timothy H
TH
Self
L Brian
LB
Cross
Shambria E
SE
Nolan
Jamie B
JB
Weibel
Michelle
M
Hilaire
Andrea R
AR
Franks
Christopher K
CK
Finch
Elizabeth A
EA
Tolley
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013339:Students, Pharmacy