Gender differences in metered-dose inhaler-spacer device technique.

ABSTRACT

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether gender affects the correct use of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI)-spacer device. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: University classrooms. PATIENTS Eighty-three students in their third year of a Doctor of Pharmacy program. INTERVENTION Students were given the device and received 20 minutes of education on its use. They then were asked to perform the technique. Assessment and retraining were done, as necessary, by clinicians who were experienced with the device. Students returned 1 week later to perform the technique again. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The performance of men versus women was analyzed with chi 2 tests and the Student's t test. Power analysis indicated that 30 students were needed in each group. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between men and women in proper MDI-spacer technique.