Abstract
Background: Drugs should be evaluated in appropriate subjects representing potential population to take the drugs. This study focuses on gender factor and aims to make known the appropriateness of considering gender difference on clinical evaluation of drug with domestic data related to drug use. Methods: To understand gender difference shown in drug use, three types of domestic statistical data (prevalence of chronic disease, number of outpatient with major concerning disease, and consumption of medicine) were analyzed and compared according to gender. Results: Three of fifteen chronic diseases which were analyzed, showed significantly higher prevalence in women than in men, and three were vice versa. Meanwhile, the sex ratio of outpatients was significantly different in 22 major concerning diseases. Among the drug groups coded by Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System, the consumption of most drug groups was generally higher in women than in men except for one group coded G (genito-urinary system and sex hormones). Conclusion: Gender difference should be considered in domestic clinical evaluation of drug and domestic guidance for reflecting gender difference should be established.