Women & health
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Comparative Study
Gender differences in sarcoidosis: symptoms, quality of life, and medical consumption.
The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in quality of life (QOL) and in constitutional symptoms that coincide with sarcoidosis. The study population included 1026 sarcoidosis patients--all members of the Dutch Sarcoidosis Society--who completed the WHOQOL-100 and a symptom checklist. Women experienced more symptoms than men. ⋯ Specific facets reflected pain, sleep, positive affect, appearance, mobility, and activities of daily living. Future studies should focus on the different experience of the disease between male and female patients more extensively. Studies are needed to evaluate whether the differences in the present study between male and female sarcoidosis patients are caused by a subject selection bias or life style differences; have a genetic, hormonal or biological base; or just are an epiphenomenon.