Preference for gender of health care provider in management of erectile dysfunction.
We investigated whether a preference by patients regarding the gender of a health care provider to manage erectile dysfunction (ED) may be a factor in the diagnosis and care of this condition, whose broader medical significance is an area of increasing interest. A brief questionnaire was completed by 1087 adult males in a primary care setting. The questionnaire explored provider gender preference and other possible biases. The prevalence of ED in the 40-69 age group in our population was 68.8%. The prevalence was 81% in the age group of 70 and more. Of those who reported having experienced ED, 51.5% had discussed it with a provider, and 28.1% had been treated. Approximately, 57% expressed no provider gender preference, regardless of history of ED. Of those who stated a preference, approximately 75% prefer male providers. However, also among those who state a preference, Hispanics are not as likely as non-Hispanics to prefer a male provider (P=0.03). Most believe that males and females are equally qualified to manage ED, but among those who have a different opinion, the gender perceived more favorably is male. The issue of privacy during the discussion of ED was also very important to the respondents in this study.
Extended Care Line, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Carrejo
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Balla
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Tan
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000208:ethnology; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012737:Sex Factors; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology