Males obtained higher scores on the PCS component of
quality of life (mean = 45Æ5) than did females(mean = 40Æ1; P < 0Æ05). Within this component, we noted
the greatest difference between the sexes in the sub-items
related to physical functions: men scored a mean of 42Æ2
and women had a mean of 37Æ9 (P < 0Æ001). There was
no significant difference in the MCS component between
sexes; however, the sub-items related to the vitality of
mental health did show that men achieved a significantly
higher mean score (49Æ6) than did women (45Æ2;
P = 0Æ033).