Influence of Gender on Inhaler Technique.
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to evaluate the influence of gender on the inhaler technique of subjects on inhaler therapy and to determine the factors predicting the correct inhaler technique and a change of inhaler device.


METHODS
A total of 568 adult subjects (276 male, 292 female) on inhaler therapy were included in this cross-sectional, observational study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, inhaler therapy, subject-reported difficulties, and technician-reported errors in inhaler technique were recorded.


RESULTS
A change of inhaler device was noted in 71.0% of male subjects and 77.4% of female subjects, and this was based on the physicians' decision in most cases (41.7% and 51.7%, respectively). A higher percentage of female subjects reported difficulties with using inhalers (63.7% vs 40.6%, P < .001). Overall, having received training on the inhaler technique was associated with a higher likelihood of correct inhaler technique (odds ratio 12.56, 95% CI 4.44-35.50, P < .001) and a lower risk of device change (odds ratio 0.46, 95% CI 0.27-0.77, P = .004).


CONCLUSIONS
Errors in the inhaler technique, including inhalation maneuvers and device handling, were common in subjects on inhaler therapy. Subject-reported difficulties with using inhalers were more prevalent among female subjects, whereas errors in the inhaler technique identified by direct observation were similarly high in both genders. Overall, a lack of training on the inhaler technique predicted a higher likelihood of errors in the inhaler technique and a change of inhaler device.
['Ocakli|Birsen|B|', 'Ozmen|Ipek|I|', 'Tuncay|Eylem Acarturk|EA|', 'Gungor|Sinem|S|', 'Ozalp|Aylin|A|', 'Yasin|Yesim|Y|', 'Adiguzel|Nalan|N|', 'Gungor|Gokay|G|', 'Karakurt|Zuhal|Z|']
D000280:Administration, Inhalation D001249:Asthma D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D058995:Dry Powder Inhalers D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D036501:Metered Dose Inhalers D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
gender inhaler technique inhaler therapy dry powder inhalers metered dose inhalers