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Women with hidradenitis suppurativa perceived less respectful and effective communication from physicians than men.  

The study published in June 2025 in the issue of Journal of Dermatology addressed the uncertainty regarding whether adults with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by painful abscesses, perceived physician communication differently based on gender. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to evaluate gender-based differences in how individuals with HS perceived the quality of physician communication.  

They used data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey spanning 2002–2015 and 2018 and applied linear univariate and multivariate regression analyses to assess gender-based differences in perceptions of physician communication. These included how well physicians demonstrated respect, listened to individuals, explained information, and spent enough time with them. The weighted sample comprised 91,619 individuals with HS, including 25,175 males (27.18%) and 66,442 females (72.52%), all aged between 21 and 85 years.  

The results showed that, in multivariate linear regression analysis, female individuals with HS rated physician communication significantly lower than males in several areas. Ratings for physician respect were lower among females (β = −0.231, 95%CI = −0.351 to −0.111, P= 0.003). Similarly, listening was rated lower (β = −0.286, 95% CI = −0.391 to −0.181, P= 0.001), as were explanations provided by clinicians (β = −0.133, 95% CI = −0.267 to −0.000, P= 0.050). These outcomes were adjusted for variables including age, race, ethnicity, income, health insurance, educational status, and coexisting medical conditions. No significant difference was found in perceptions of time spent by physicians (β = −0.149, 95% CI = −0.362 to 0.064, P= 0.138). Subgroup analysis revealed that both male and female individuals perceived female physicians to spend more time during visits than male physicians (3.71 vs 3.32, P= 0.023).  

Investigators concluded that male individuals with HS perceived higher quality physician communication, highlighting the need for more attentive interactions when caring for females. 

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1346-8138.17699