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PubMed1995

Psychophysiologic factors contributing to functional performance in people with COPD: are there gender differences?

The purpose of this study was to compare the functional performance profiles of men and women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, describe the extent to which physiologic impairment, physical symptoms, and psychosocial resources contribute in a cumulative manner to performance, and outline the extent to which these contributions differ across gender. Secondary data analyses were employed. Although women (n = 45) reported more functional difficulty than men (n = 44) in 9 of 12 Sickness Impact Profile categories, the differences were not significant. Using hierarchical regression procedures, physiologic, symptomatic, and interactive variables predicted total (R2 = .64) and physical performance (R2 = .52), while symptomatic and psychosocial variables predicted psychosocial performance (R2 = .53). Results indicate that models of functional performance may be different for men and women.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

Are there gender differences in pain perception?

Chronic pain conditions are increasingly prevalent. However, very little is known about the relationship between pain and gender. The purposes of this study were to determine gender differences in pain threshold and tolerance among Chinese adults in Hong Kong and to examine the role of anxiety in pain perception. One hundred seventy-eight healthy, pain-free adults (89 men and 89 women) were recruited from a local university by convenience sampling to participate in the study. All participants completed the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory and underwent a laboratory pain task to determine their pain threshold and tolerance levels. Pain was assessed by using the Pain Intensity Verbal Rating Scale-Chinese version. Compared to men, women had a lower threshold (p < .001) and tolerance (p < .001) for pressure pain, and women reported more pain (p < .01) at the pain tolerance level. Higher trait anxiety scores were associated with higher pain report in men only (r [89] = .22, p = .04). The study indicated that gender differences in pain perception exist among the Chinese population in Hong Kong. A better understanding of the factors that contribute to gender differences in pain perception could reduce gender bias in pain management.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Alcohol Consumption Estimates in Surveys in Europe: Comparability and Sensitivity for Gender Differences.

The comparability of general population studies on alcohol from nine European countries is evaluated from three points of view: (1) methodologic aspects influencing alcohol estimates, (2) variation between countries in coverage of sales estimates of alcohol consumption, and (3) associations between type of question used to measure alcohol consumption and gender differences in alcohol consumption. With respect to methodologic aspects, it was found that the studies differed on most of the 10 points included in this comparison. The coverage of sales estimates by surveys varies between 39% (Germany) and 56% (France). With respect to type of question and gender differences, it was found that more elaborate sets of questions on alcohol consumption are associated with smaller gender differences in the prevalence of heavy drinking (>600 g 100% alc/mo). It is concluded that the methodologic differences between studies and the differences in sales coverage do not allow cross-national comparison of survey estimates of alcohol consumption of different European countries. Compared with more elaborate sets of questions on alcohol consumption, simple questions on alcohol consumption are likely to underestimate gender differences in the prevalence of heavier drinking.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Gender differences in knee joint cartilage thickness, volume and articular surface areas: assessment with quantitative three-dimensional MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cartilage thickness, volume, and articular surface areas of the knee joint between young healthy, non-athletic female and male individuals. SUBJECTS AND DESIGN: MR imaging was performed in 18 healthy subjects without local or systemic joint disease (9 female, age 22.3 +/- 2.4 years, and 9 male, age 22.2 +/- 1.9 years.), using a fat-suppressed FLASH 3D pulse sequence (TR = 41 ms, TE = 11 ms, FA = 30 degrees) with sagittal orientation and a spatial resolution of 2 x 0.31 x 0.31 mm3. After three-dimensional reconstruction and triangulation of the knee joint cartilage plates, the cartilage thickness (mean and maximal), volume, and size of the articular surface area were quantified, independent of the original section orientation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Women displayed smaller cartilage volumes than men, the percentage difference ranging from 19.9% in the patella, to 46.6% in the medial tibia. The gender differences of the cartilage thickness were smaller, ranging from 2.0% in the femoral trochlea to 13.3% in the medial tibia for the mean thickness, and from 4.3% in the medial femoral condyle to 18.3% in the medial tibia for the maximal cartilage thickness. The differences between the cartilage surface areas were similar to those of the volumes, with values ranging from 21.0% in the femur to 33.4% in the lateral tibia. Gender differences could be reduced for cartilage volume and surface area when normalized to body weight and body weight x body height. The study demonstrates significant gender differences in cartilage volume and surface area of men and women, which need to be taken into account when retrospectively estimating articular cartilage loss in patients with symptoms of degenerative joint disease. Differences in cartilage volume are primarily due to differences in joint surface areas (epiphyseal bone size), not to differences in cartilage thickness.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Gender differences in extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism in 37 nations.

Mean gender differences on Eysenck's three personality traits of extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism were collated for 37 nations. Women obtained higher means than men on neuroticism in all countries, and men obtained higher means than women on psychoticism in 34 countries and on extraversion in 30 countries. The relation between the magnitude of the gender differences and per capita incomes was not significant for any of the three traits.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Gender differences in health risks and physical symptoms among the homeless.

Gender differences in health risks and symptoms are compared for a survey sample of 100 homeless persons and for the general population. Homeless men appear at greater risk of exhibiting symptoms. Nonetheless, homeless women report more symptoms, a result consistent with general population trends. Predisposing illnesses were the most accurate predictors of the number of reported symptoms, but gender explained a significant amount of variation in reported symptoms after other health risks were controlled. The findings inform the debate on the relative importance of biological factors, acquired risks, illness perception and behavior, and reporting bias in explaining why women report more symptoms in survey research. It appears likely that female reporting bias and gender differences in illness perception are underestimated in general population surveys because even under extreme conditions, men are less likely than women to report symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Parental socialization of emotion expression: gender differences and relations to child adjustment.

The present study examined gender differences in children's submissive and disharmonious emotions and parental attention to these emotions. Sixty children and their mothers and fathers participated when children were 4 and 6 years old. Children's emotion expression and parental responses during a game were coded. Girls expressed more submissive emotion than boys. Fathers attended more to girls' submissive emotion than to boys' at preschool age. Fathers attended more to boys' disharmonious emotion than to girls' at early school age. Parental attention at preschool age predicted later submissive expression level. Child disharmonious emotion predicted later externalizing symptoms. Gender differences in these emotions may occur as early as preschool age and may be subject to differential responding, particularly by fathers.

Attention↗
PubMed1995

A description of the gender differences in risk behaviors in young adults with genital herpes.

The purpose of this paper is to describe gender differences in risk behaviors--substance use and sexual behavior--in young adults with genital herpes. Two-hundred fifty-two young adults with genital herpes were recruited into the study via newspaper advertisements in a West Coast metropolitan area. As a part of a large randomized clinical trial, participants completed questionnaires measuring demographic characteristics and the risk behaviors of substance use and sexual behavior. Participants had a mean age of 27.1 years and were largely Caucasian, employed, college-educated, and heterosexual. Women were two years younger than men and had less income. Gender differences were found in both substance use and sexual behavior. Men were more likely to report current use of illicit drugs than were women. Men were also more likely to report a history of gonorrhea, and urethral discharge. Women reported initiating sex at an older age and having fewer sexual partners over their lifetimes than men. There were no gender differences in use of condoms or spermicides specifically to prevent transmission of genital herpes. Further study is needed of these young adults as they are at high risk for transmission of the disease and also for contracting other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Sensitive interventions are needed with this high-risk population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Human circadian time structure in subjects of different gender and age.

Most human variables exhibit rhythms with an about 24 hour (circadian) period. Each rhythm can be characterized by its acrophase (calculated peak time of the cosine curve best fitting to the data), its amplitude and rhythm adjusted mean (MESOR). The sequential array of the rhythms' acrophases represents the temporal order of the human time structure. In the present work we used circadian rhythms of 24 chemical and 15 hormonal variables extracted from published studies which were done in a defined area of southeastern Europe (Romania). All studies had a comparable experimental design and were analyzed biochemically and statistically in the same laboratory. The acrophases of these rhythms obtained from both genders of different age groups (from the 2nd to the 9th decade of age) were subjected to multiple correlation test, cluster and principal coordinates analyses. The results show that the temporal order is affected both by gender and age, and evaluate the degree of the effect, offer a "chronbiologic fingerprint" for the examined groups and assist in dissecting rhythm variability among populations.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Gender differences in chronic pain in a treatment-seeking population.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pain characteristics, disability, and comorbid psychological distress between genders in a treatment-seeking sample of patients with chronic pain. METHODS: Consecutive patients with chronic pain were evaluated and assigned a pain diagnosis. Gender differences were compared on responses to questions about pain symptoms, associated disability, and psychological distress. RESULTS: The pain sample (N = 716) was predominately female (63%). Pain locations, diagnoses, and trigger factors were similar in male and female patients. Male patients reported a greater mean pain severity (7.16 males vs 6.82 females; P = 0.05), greater pain constancy (41.2% vs 26.7%; P < 0.001), and more days per week with pain (6.37 vs 5.87; P < 0.001). In addition, males reported higher levels of disability, with reduced activity more than 3 days per week in 70.2% of males and 56.0% of females, and complete disability more than 3 days per week in 55.9% of males and 37.3% of females (P < 0.001). Quality of life measures were additionally reduced for both physical and psychological categories in men versus women (P = 0.05 to < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There are important gender differences in treatment-seeking patients with chronic pain. Males report higher levels of pain and disability, with reduced physical and psychological quality of life, as compared to females. These differences in treatment-seeking patients may reflect gender differences in treatment-seeking behavior.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Gender differences in treatment and outcome in a therapeutic community ward, with special reference to schizophrenic patients.

This study examines gender differences in treatment and institutional outcome in a closed mixed-psychiatric ward functioning as a therapeutic community. Its first-time male (n = 784) and female (n = 741) patients were classified into five diagnostic categories according to criteria from the third revised edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: schizophrenia, schizophreniform/schizoaffective disorder, other psychoses, mood disorders, and nonpsychotic disorders. There were no statistically significant gender differences in sociodemographic variables either in the length of stay or in the number of treatment episodes in this ward in any diagnostic group. Differences in male and female participation in psychosocial therapies (individual, group, and milieu therapy) and in institutional outcome were minimal, with a slight trend in favor of the females. These minimal gender differences indicate an achievement of the treatment goals, and of achieving intergender equality. These goals are especially important for schizophrenic males due to their more severe clinical profile and poorer prognosis. With its greater degree of interaction and positive experiences, the therapeutic community model may help psychotic male patients in facing their age- and gender-specific life-span challenges.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Gender differences in health care provider-patient communication: are they due to style, stereotypes, or accommodation?

This article examines gender differences in health care provider-patient communication within the framework of an ecological model of communication in the medical encounter. The ecological perspective posits that, although health care provider-patient interactions are situated within a number of contexts (e.g. organizational, political, cultural), the interpersonal domain is the primary context within which these interactions unfold. Hence, gender may influence provider-patient interaction to the extent that it can be linked to the interactants' goals, skills, perceptions, emotions, and the way the participants adapt to their partner's communication. The evidence reviewed in this essay indicates that gender differences in medical encounters may come from several sources including differences in men's and women's communicative styles, perceptions of their partners, and in the way they accommodate their partner's behavior during the interaction. However, because gender is but one of many personal and partner variables (e.g. age, ethnicity, personal experiences) that can influence these processes, gender differences are often quite modest (if apparent at all) when examined across a population of health care providers and patients. Implications for future research and communicative skill training are discussed.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2005

Gender differences in stress reactivity among cocaine-dependent individuals.

RATIONALE: Recent investigations suggest that stress reactivity may play an important role in the relationship between stress and substance use. Important gender differences, such as reasons for using substances, have been well documented, and it is likely that men and women also differ in their stress response. OBJECTIVES: In this study, gender differences in stress reactivity to two laboratory stress manipulations were examined among 18 men and 21 women with current cocaine dependence. METHODS: Participants completed a psychological stress task, the Mental Arithmetic Task (MAT), and a physical stress task, the Cold Pressor Task (CPT). Subjective stress responses (i.e., feelings of stress, anxiety, nervousness, pain, mood), physiological stress responses (i.e., heart rate, skin conductance), and cocaine craving were assessed. RESULTS: In response to both the MAT and the CPT, significant increases in subjective and physiological stress were observed among participants. Women, however, demonstrated greater subjective reactivity, as evidenced by significantly higher ratings of stress, nervousness, and pain as compared to men. Women also immersed their hand in the cold water bath for a significantly shorter period of time as compared to men. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings are among the first to report on gender differences in stress reactivity among cocaine-dependent individuals. The findings suggest that the mechanisms linking stress and substance use may be gender-specific, and that stress reactivity may play a different role for women than for men. Future research and implications for clinical interventions are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Is there a gender difference in red blood cell thiopurine methyltransferase activity in healthy children?

We have examined red blood cell (RBC) thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) activity in a healthy population sample of Norwegian children, age 1-10 years. Boys had mean RBC TPMT activity of 11.1 +/- 2.0 U (n = 87) vs. 10.6 +/- 2.2 U (n = 71) in girls, the difference was not significant (P = 0.3). Age was negatively correlated to RBC TPMT activity (rs = -0.2, P = 0.01). As boys with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) tolerate more 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) than girls and have a higher risk of relapse, we have searched for pharmacokinetic causes of these gender differences. The gender difference in 6-MP tolerance and clinical outcome in children with ALL cannot be explained by the minor and nonsignificant higher RBC TPMT activity in boys compared to girls.

Child↗
PubMed1998

Gender differences in FFM accumulation and architectural characteristics of muscle.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the skeletal muscle development potential in women and to evaluate the contribution of muscle pennation angle (PANG) and fascicle length to gender differences in muscle size or FFM accumulation. METHODS: Skeletal muscle architectural characteristics and FFM were studied in 29 strength-trained female and 22 age- and height-matched male college athletes. Muscle thickness (MTH) was measured by B-mode ultrasound at 13 anatomical sites. Isolated MTH and PANG of the triceps long head (TL), vastus lateralis (VL), and gastrocnemius medialis (MG) muscles were measured in vivo, and fascicle length was estimated. RESULTS: Six female athletes had more than 60 kg of FFM, with the largest being 82.1 kg. In general, male athletes had a significantly greater FFM and MTH at all sites except for the anterior thigh. Isolated MTH and PANG of the TL, VL, and MG were greater in males. There were no gender differences in limb length or fascicle length of the three isolated muscles. A significant correlation was observed between MTH and PANG for TL (r = 0.84) and MG (r = 0.41), but not for VL. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to previous estimates, we conclude that the theoretical upper limit of FFM accumulation and FFM-to-height ratio in women is greater than 80 kg and 0.44 kg.cm-1, respectively. Gender differences in PANG appear to be related to differences in muscle size (MTH) and do not appear to contribute independently to the gender difference in FFM.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2005

Gender differences for non-fatal unintentional fall related injuries among older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify gender differences for non-fatal unintentional fall related injuries among US adults age 65 years and older treated in hospital emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: The authors analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of ED visits for January 2001 through December 2001, available through the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP). For each initial ED visit, coders record one principal diagnosis (usually the most severe) and one primary part of the body affected. RESULTS: Based on 22,560 cases, an estimated 1.64 million older adults were treated in EDs for unintentional fall injuries. Of these, approximately 1.16 million, or 70.5%, were women. Fractures, contusions/abrasions, and lacerations accounted for more than three quarters of all injuries. Rates for injury diagnoses were generally higher among women, most notably for fractures which were 2.2 times higher than for men. For all parts of the body, women's injury rates exceeded those of men. Rate ratios were greatest for injuries of the leg/foot (2.3), arm/hand (2.0), and lower trunk (2.0). The hospitalization rate for women was 1.8 times that for men. CONCLUSIONS: Among older adults, non-fatal fall related injuries disproportionately affected women. Much is known about effective fall prevention strategies. We need to refine, promote, and implement these interventions. Additional research is needed to tailor interventions for different populations and to determine gender differences in the underlying causes and/or circumstances of falls. This information is vital for developing and implementing targeted fall prevention strategies.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed1995

Gender differences in presentation of chronic major depression.

The authors examine gender differences in presentation of illness in 96 males and 198 females with DSM-III-R chronic major depression (i.e., major depression of at least 2 years' duration). Women were found to have increased severity of illness as measured by Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Clinical Global impressions (CGI) scores. Symptom comparisons revealed that women experience more psychomotor retardation than men. Women reported increased functional impairment on the Social Adjustment Scale-Self-Report (SAS-SR), particularly in the areas of marital and family adjustment. Men were more likely to have a history of alcohol and substance abuse/dependence. These findings represent the first systematic study of gender differences in a chronic depressive population.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Coping among individuals seeking private chemical dependence treatment: gender differences and impact on length of stay in treatment.

BACKGROUND: Length of stay in treatment and coping skills are both predictive of chemical dependence and abuse treatment outcomes. However, little is known about whether coping strategies are related to length of stay in treatment. Because predictors of length of stay in treatment vary by gender, it also may be reasonable to expect gender differences in coping strategies as well as in the relationship between coping and LOS in treatment. METHODS: We examined gender differences in baseline coping strategies, and coping strategies as predictors of length of stay in treatment, among 747 (433 men, 314 women) individuals who entered chemical dependence and abuse treatment in a private, managed care facility. RESULTS: Women reported using more emotional discharge (behavioral attempts to reduce tension by expression of negative feelings), cognitive avoidance (cognitive attempts to avoid thinking realistically about the problem), resigned acceptance (cognitive attempts to react to the problem by accepting it), and seeking support/guidance (behavioral attempts to seek information, guidance, or support). Gender differences for emotional discharge disappeared after we controlled for depressive symptom and drug problem severities. Greater use of seeking alternative rewards (behavioral attempts to get involved in substitute activities and create new sources of satisfaction), less use of emotional discharge, and older age were significant predictors of longer length of stay, with no gender differences found. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for identifying and decreasing the use of emotional discharge early in treatment, possibly through the use of intervention strategies such as anger management, cognitive restructuring, or motivational interviewing, as well as encouraging an increase in participation in alternative activities.

Adaptation, Psychological↗