— Christine M. Kukka, Project Manager, HBV Advocate
A Stanford University-Pacific Health Foundation study of 862
hepatitis B patients treated at four U.S. health centers over a
12-month period found that men were more likely to be treated than
women, even though both qualified for treatment under current medical
guidelines.
The study, presented at the Liver Congress,
followed the 862 patients (53% male, average age 42) most of whom
qualified for treatment due to liver damage. However, only 46% were
treated.
According to the report, 95 were seen by primary
care doctors, 566 went to community gastroenterology clinics, and 201
were seen by university hepatologists. Men and patients over age 50
were more likely to be treated than women and younger patients.
Primary care providers failed to follow
guidelines the most, while gastroenterology clinicians and liver
specialists more accurately followed medical guidelines and prescribed
treatment.
"Further studies are needed to examine potential
causes for the observed gender disparity and to improve access to
antiviral therapy in different care settings," the researchers wrote.
(Abstract 031)
Source: www.hbvadvocate.org/EASL_2014_Abstracts.pdf
HBV Journal Review
May 1, 2014, Vol 11, no 5
http://www.hbvadvocate.org/news/HBJ11.5.htmLabels: gender disparities, treatment, Women
