Ocakli, BirsenOzmen, IpekTuncay, Eylem AcarturkGungor, SinemOzalp, AylinYasin, YesimAdiguzel, NalanGungor, GokayKarakurt, Zuhal2023-02-212023-02-212020-01-0110.4187/respcare.06917https://hdl.handle.net/11443/1296http://dx.doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06917This study was designed to evaluate the influence of gender on the inhaler technique of subjects on inhaler therapy and to determine the factors predicting the correct inhaler technique and a change of inhaler device. METHODS: A total of 568 adult subjects (276 male, 292 female) on inhaler therapy were included in this cross-sectional, observational study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, inhaler therapy, subject-reported difficulties, and technician-reported errors in inhaler technique were recorded. RESULTS: A change of inhaler device was noted in 71.0\% of male subjects and 77.4\% of female subjects, and this was based on the physicians' decision in most cases (41.7\% and 51.7\%, respectively). A higher percentage of female subjects reported difficulties with using inhalers (63.7\% vs 40.6\%, P < .001). Overall, having received training on the inhaler technique was associated with a higher likelihood of correct inhaler technique (odds ratio 12.56, 95\% CI 4.44-35.50, P < .001) and a lower risk of device change (odds ratio 0.46, 95\% CI 0.27-0.77, P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Errors in the inhaler technique, including inhalation maneuvers and device handling, were common in subjects on inhaler therapy. Subject-reported difficulties with using inhalers were more prevalent among female subjects, whereas errors in the inhaler technique identified by direct observation were similarly high in both genders. Overall, a lack of training on the inhaler technique predicted a higher likelihood of errors in the inhaler technique and a change of inhaler device.inhaler therapyinhaler techniquegendermetered dose inhalersdry powder inhalersArticleWOS:000574672900008