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Inconsistent health perceptions for US women and men with diabetes
Marianne McCollum1, Laura B Hansen, Vahram Ghushchyan
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado at Denver, and Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, USA. marianne.mccollum@uchsc.edu
Journal of Women'S Health (2002)
|December 8, 2007
Summary
Women with diabetes report better health than men, despite poorer objective health status. This study highlights gender-based discrepancies in health perception among diabetic adults.
Area of Science:
- Health Outcomes Research
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Assessing health status in adults with diabetes is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Gender-based differences in health perception and objective measures require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare norm-based health status scores and self-rated health between men and women with diabetes.
- To identify gender-specific discrepancies in health perception.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2001-2003).
- Included demographic and clinical parameters (BMI, comorbidities).
- Analyzed SF-12 Physical and Mental Component Scores (PCS/MCS) and self-rated health using regression analyses.
Main Results:
- Identified 3640 respondents with diabetes (57% women).
- Women reported higher BMI, more comorbidities, and physical limitations.
- Adjusted analyses revealed women had lower mental component scores (SF-12 MCS) but higher self-rated health.
Conclusions:
- Significant gender-based discrepancies exist in health status measures for adults with diabetes.
- Women with diabetes perceive their health more favorably than men, despite objective indicators.
- Further research is needed on gender determinants and clinical implications of self-rated health.
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