Patients' Gender Preference for Colonoscopist

Background/Aims: Colonoscopy is anticipated as embarrassing and uncomfortable procedure. However, the patients' gender preference for doctor has not been well evaluated in those undergoing colonoscopy. This study was to assess patients' preference for gender and age of colonoscopist. Methods: A total of one hundread and ninety eight patients (118 males and 80 females) scheduled for colonoscopy were prospectively asked to answer the questionnaires consisting of patient characteristics, preference for gender of colonoscopist, and the period they can wait until their preferred colonoscopist would be acceptable. Results: Among male patients, 51% expressed a gender preference (47% for male and 4% for female colonoscopist) and 52% of female expressed two gender preference (26% for male and 26% for female colonoscopist),and colonoscopists in their forties were preferred the most. Aged female patients and male patients with family history of colorectal cancer preferred a male colonoscopist. The strength of gender preference shown by the period they could wait was weak. Conclusions: Half of the female and male patients showed gender preference in choosing a colonoscopist. Among the patients expressinga gender preference, most male patients preferred the same gender whereas half of female preferred the opposite gender.