Gender Distribution of Patients on HIV Treatment in Southern Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Muula Adamson S, Ngulube Thabale J, Siziya Seter, Makupe Cecilia M, Umar Eric, Prozesky Hans Walter, Wiysonge Charles S, Mataya Ronald H
Primary Institution: Department of Community Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Are women accessing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at the same rate as men in Southern Africa?
Conclusion
In most Southern African countries, proportionally more females are on HIV antiretroviral treatment than men, even when the higher HIV infection prevalence in females is accounted for.
Supporting Evidence
- Female to male HIV infection prevalence ratios in southern African countries ranged from 1.2:1 to 1.6:1.
- Female to male ratios on HAART ranged from 0.8:1 to 2.3:1.
- Overall, there were more females on HAART than males, not solely explained by higher HIV prevalence among females.
Takeaway
More women than men are getting HIV treatment in Southern Africa, which is good because it means women are getting the help they need.
Methodology
A systematic review of literature was conducted to describe the gender distribution of patients accessing HAART in Southern Africa, comparing data on number of patients, their mean or median age, and gender across studies.
Potential Biases
There may be overlapping patient cohorts among reports, which could affect the conclusions drawn about gender distribution.
Limitations
Data were mostly obtained from peer-reviewed journals, potentially missing reports from treatment programs that did not publish their experiences.
Participant Demographics
The median or mean age of patients ranged from 33 to 39 years, with a predominance of females in treatment programs.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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