Gender Differences in Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Adults With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of death in women, yet gender differences in patient-reported outcomes are understudied.
• Positive patient experiences and quality of life are linked to better health outcomes, but specific gender disparities in ASCVD are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare gender differences in patient-centered outcomes, including patient experience, health perception, and quality of life, among individuals diagnosed with ASCVD.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the 2006-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a national US sample.
• Inclusion of adults (≥18 years) with ASCVD, identified via ICD-9 codes or self-report.
• Use of linear and logistic regression, adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities, to compare outcomes by gender.

Main Results:

• Women with ASCVD reported poorer patient-provider communication (OR 1.25), lower healthcare satisfaction (OR 1.12), worse health perception (OR 1.15), and lower quality of life compared to men.
• Women also showed lower use of aspirin and statins and higher odds of frequent Emergency Department visits (≥2/year).

Conclusions:

• Women with ASCVD experience significantly poorer patient-reported outcomes, including diminished quality of life and health perception, compared to men.
• These findings underscore critical gender-specific disparities in healthcare quality and delivery for ASCVD patients, necessitating further research and targeted interventions.