Comparison of health status, socioeconomic characteristics, and knowledge and use of HIV-related resources between HIV-infected women and men

OBJECTIVES. The authors compared socioeconomic characteristics, and knowled ge and use of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)related resources and healt h 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 surv eillance initiatives (Adult Spectrum of Disease and Supplement to HIV/AIDS Surveillance) were linked. Health status measures were obtained using the M edical Outcomes Study (MOS-20) questionnaire. To compare health status meas ures between genders, men were matched to women based on disease stage, int ravenous 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 signifi cantly different. Knowledge of available services was generally good among both genders. Women received public assistance and had health insurance (Me dicaid) 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 so cial 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 acc ess 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 reso urces was similar by gender, men made contact more often suggesting areas f or enhanced outreach toward women.