Gender and mental health aspects of living with HIV disease and its longer-term outcomes for UK heterosexual patients

Gender is important in the experience of illness generally and HIV specifically. In this study the authors compare 183 HIV positive women with 76 HIV positive heterosexual men attending United Kingdom HIV clinics on clinical, treatment, and mental health factors. Participants completed a questionnaire on mental health and HIV-related factors. Laboratory measures of HIV viral load and CD4 cell count were obtained at baseline and 6-18 months later. After adjusting for age, employment, and treatment status, men were significantly less likely than women to suffer from high psychological [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17, 0.86] and global symptom distress (adjusted OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.92). However, men were more likely than women to report having suicidal thoughts (adjusted OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 0.95, 3.58). Relational, sexual behavior, and quality of life factors were similar for men and women. Adherence levels did not differ by gender but were sub-optimal in 56% of patients. Men had significantly lower CD4 counts than women at baseline, but not at follow-up. No differences were observed in the proportions with viral suppression. The groups had generally similar HIV experiences with high psychological distress. Adherence monitoring and gender appropriate psychological support are needed for these groups.