Sex-Based Disparities in Clinical Burden and Diagnostic Delay in COPD: Insights from Primary Care.

ABSTRACT: Background. Sex-based disparities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosis remain underexplored, particularly in primary care settings. This study assessed sex differences in clinical burden, diagnostic delay, and missed diagnostic opportunities using conventional and composite metrics. Methods. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 166 newly diagnosed COPD patients (76 women, 90 men) from Spanish primary care. Clinical severity, healthcare use, and diagnostic timing were compared using Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests. Composite indices included the Symptom Intensity Score, Diagnostic Inertia Indices, DOSE Index, and Diagnosis Complexity Score. Multivariable regressions evaluated independent associations. Results. At diagnosis, women showed a

SUBMITTER: Calle Rubio M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12429159 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature