The Perception of Physicians on Gender-Specific Differences in the Diagnosis of COPD: Results from a Questionnaire-Based Survey

Overview

Journal Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Pulmonary Medicine

Date 2021 Apr 9

PMID 33833510

Citations 1

Authors

Chantal Raherison-Semjen

Karen Mezzi

Konstantinos Kostikas

Alexander J Mackay

Dave Singh

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the perception of physicians on gender-specific differences in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using a qualitative and anonymous questionnaire-based survey.

Methods: The survey was conducted amongst respiratory physicians attending a standalone educational conference (29-30 September 2017) using the SpotMe App. The 20-item standardized closed questionnaire had pre-coded responses to questions on physician's profile, and perception of COPD diagnosis and existing comorbidities between genders. All the responses were recorded anonymously.

Results: Of 368 physicians who downloaded the SpotMe App and had access to the survey, 132 (35.9%) completed the survey. Respondents were predominantly hospital-based (57.3%), aged 30-49 years (54.2%), male (56.5%), and from large cities (59.5%). 68.7% of physicians perceived the prevalence of COPD to be higher in men; over 50% of physicians perceived that women were more prone to the effects of smoking. More than 60% of physicians agreed that women experience more severe symptoms (anxiety and depression) and have reduced quality of life than men. Over 50% of physicians agreed that misdiagnosis/underdiagnosis of COPD in women was an important factor for gender-differences.

Conclusion: Results from this survey indicate that the understanding of COPD burden in women varies among healthcare professionals.

Citing Articles

Sex and Gender in Lung Disease and Sleep Disorders: A State-of-the-Art Review.

Sodhi A, Pisani M, Glassberg M, Bourjeily G, DAmbrosio C Chest. 2022; 162(3):647-658.

PMID: 35300976 PMC: 9808608. DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.03.006.

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