Fatigue in chronic heart failure--does gender make a difference?

The primary aim of this study was to describe and compare the experience of fatigue in a group of elderly women and men with severe chronic heart failure. A sample of 158 patients (66 women and 92 men, with a mean age of 83 and 78 years, respectively) was invited to participate in a study on admission to a hospital outpatient heart failure clinic. A registered nurse interviewed patients using a modified version of the Fatigue Interview Schedule (FIS). Descriptions of the experiences of fatigue generally showed good agreement between men and women; however, some gender differences were found. Women expressed a clear role to fulfil because they were engaged in maintenance activities of their household. Although we still have only limited knowledge about the impact of gender on the experiences and coping strategies in disease and aging, it is important for care providers to consider gender differences when planning caring interventions.