Comparison of health status, socioeconomic characteristics, and knowledge and use of HIV-related resources between HIV-infected women and men.
OBJECTIVE
The authors compared socioeconomic characteristics, and knowledge and use of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related resources and health status measures between HIV-infected women and men registered within the Denver Health and Hospitals health care system.


METHODS
Data collected through two Centers for Disease Control-funded surveillance initiatives (Adult Spectrum of Disease and Supplement to HIV/AIDS Surveillance) were linked. Health status measures were obtained using the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS-20) questionnaire. To compare health status measures between genders, men were matched to women based on disease stage, intravenous drug use, race, years of education, employment status, and age.


RESULTS
Among all patients interviewed (n = 419), women (n = 52) were more likely to be minority, uneducated, intravenous drug users, and at earlier stages of HIV-disease than men (n = 367). Employment status was not significantly different. Knowledge of available services was generally good among both genders. Women received public assistance and had health insurance (Medicaid) more often than men. Women used support services, social work, and shelter assistance less often than men. The matched pairs analysis (n = 46 pairs) showed no significant differences between genders in physical and social function, mental health, pain, or general health perceptions; however, role function was better in women than in men (P<0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
When controlling for factors that may influence health and access to health care, HIV disease generally impacts the health status of both genders similarly. Women scored higher in role function which may reflect family caretakers' responsibilities. Although knowledge of HIV-related resources was similar by gender, men made contact more often suggesting areas for enhanced outreach toward women.
Davidson
A J
AJ
Department of Public Health, Denver Health and Hospitals, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, USA.
Bertram
S L
SL
Lezotte
D C
DC
Marine
W M
WM
Rietmeijer
C A
CA
Hagglund
B B
BB
Cohn
D L
DL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003120:Colorado; D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006295:Health Resources / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006304:Health Status; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D016555:Matched-Pair Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous