Gender Differences in HIV Treatment Outcomes in China
Author Information
Author(s): Dou Zhihui, Xu Jiahong, Jiao Jin Hua, Ma Ye, Durako Stephen, Yu Lan, Zhao Yan, Zhang Fujie
Primary Institution: National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Do women and men respond equally well to the treatment in the China National Free ART Program?
Conclusion
Women had lower mortality and higher CD4+ counts than men in response to ART treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- Women had a mortality rate of 11.4% compared to 19.0% for men.
- Women had higher CD4+ counts over time after initiating ART.
- Men were more likely to die than women after being on therapy for 3–24 months.
Takeaway
This study found that women with HIV in China tend to do better on treatment than men, living longer and having healthier immune systems.
Methodology
A retrospective analysis of national free ART databases from June 2006 to December 2008 was performed.
Potential Biases
Limited data on co-morbidities and psychosocial factors may affect the results.
Limitations
The study relied on retrospective data, which may introduce recall bias and measurement variations.
Participant Demographics
59.2% male and 40.8% female, majority aged 19-44 years and married.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0014
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.04–2.06
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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