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.
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
Amelie G
AG
Ramirez
Kimberly A
KA
Wildes
Anna
A
Nápoles-Springer
Eliseo
E
Pérez-Stable
Greg
G
Talavera
Elena
E
Rios
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*