[Poor awareness among health care professionals about gender differences in the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease]

Abstract

Introduction: Several studies have found poorer control of the cardiovascular risk factors among women with type 2 diabetes. This could be explained by the lack of awareness of their cardiovascular risk among professionals.

Aims: To determine the perception and knowledge of health care professionals involved in diabetes management on the impact of gender difference on the control of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A 24-question survey related to knowledge and perceptions (grouped by topics) was sent to professionals who were interested and involved in diabetes care. A total of 998 surveys were analysed. An ANOVA model was constructed to compare the results by specialty and years of experience, as well as adjusting for the rest of the confounding factors. On having more than 12 correct answers (favourable result), a logistic regression was also performed in order to study the factors that could have an influence.

Results: The mean number of correct answers was 10.3, and was slightly better for specialists (range 10.7-11.8), and associated with years of experience (P=.001). Female gender and years of experience were identified as predictors of having more than 12 correct answers.

Conclusions: The level of knowledge was low, but similar to the results of the other studies.

Keywords: Awareness; Cardiovascular disease; Conocimiento; Diabetes tipo 2; Enfermedad cardiovascular; Gender; Género; Type 2 diabetes mellitus.