GENDER DIFFERENCES IN OUTCOMES AMONG PATIENTS WITH CANCER

This study examined gender differences in 162 female and 65 male patie nts with cancer referred to home care. Data were collected before hosp ital discharge using the Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questi onnaire, the Karnofsky Performance Status, and the Quality of Life-Can cer Scale. Controlling for age and stage of disease, the results showe d that men reported significantly more cancer-related impairments, mor e limitations in activity of daily living, and poorer social resources than women. No gender differences were found in quality of life, perc eived emotional health, perceived physical health, performance status, and comorbidity. Significant predictors of self-care activities were: for women perceived physical health, Karnofsky Performance Status, an d stage of disease (58% variance explained); for men Karnofsky Perform ance Status and medication taken (67% variance explained). Gender diff erences should be considered in discharge planning to provide appropri ate home care services for male and female patients with cancer. (C) 1 998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.