Physician gender differences in general and cancer-specific prevention attitudes and practices.
BACKGROUND
Findings are inconsistent regarding physician gender differences in general prevention practices and cancer-specific attitudes and practices.


METHODS
We analyzed cross-sectional data from randomly selected physicians (N = 722) to test associations of gender with prevention practices and attitudes.


RESULTS
Chi-square analyses (P < .05) showed gender differences for 14% (7/49) of the general and cancer-specific practices and attitudes tested. Multivariate analyses revealed that gender significantly (P < .05) predicted general prevention practices and cancer-specific attitudes in 4 models. Female gender predicted discussion of physical activity, violence, and use of substances. Male gender predicted belief in effectiveness of prostate-specific antigen screening.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, male and female physicians showed more similarities than differences, but physician gender was associated with a number of important general and cancer-specific prevention services. Female physicians were more likely to discuss general health prevention activities than male physicians, especially issues considered sensitive. We discuss implications for research and education.
Ramirez
Amelie G
AG
Institute for Health Promotion Research, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Texas Health Science Center, 8207 Callaghan Road, Suite 353, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA. ramirezag@uthscsa.edu
Wildes
Kimberly A
KA
Nápoles-Springer
Anna
A
Pérez-Stable
Eliseo
E
Talavera
Greg
G
Rios
Elena
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*